4th of July Cake

The aroma of freshly baked cake fills the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen. This delightful 4th of July Cake is a festive treat that combines vibrant flavors and colors, capturing the spirit of the holiday. It takes about two hours to prepare and bake, making it a wonderful centerpiece for celebrations. The use of both strawberry and berry blue Jell-O creates an eye-catching layered effect that’s sure to impress your guests.

This recipe is perfect for those who love to celebrate the 4th of July or want to bring a burst of color to any gathering. It’s versatile, allowing for make-ahead preparation, as the Jell-O needs time to set, making this cake even more manageable on the day of your event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The layers of Jell-O provide a fun and colorful surprise.
• The cake stays moist thanks to the sour cream and heavy cream.
• An easy cream frosting complements the cake without overwhelming it.
• It can be made ahead of time, making party prep easier.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your festive cake.

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3 whole eggs
• Egg white of 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Jell-O

• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O strawberry flavor
• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O berry blue flavor

For the Frosting

• 1 stick Crisco
• 2 sticks or 1 cup unsalted butter
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract

Use full-fat sour cream for richness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Cake mix: Use homemade white cake recipe.
• JELL-O: Use other flavors for variety.
• Coconut extract: Substitute with vanilla extract.
• Crisco: Use all butter for a richer taste.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your delicious cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Set them aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

Using an electric hand mixer or whisk, gradually mix in water, sour cream, eggs, egg white, heavy cream, and vegetable oil until fully combined.

Divide and Bake

Divide the cake batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Poke

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for 15 minutes on a cooling rack. Use a fork or bamboo stick to poke holes all over each cake for the Jell-O.

Prepare Jell-O

In one mixing bowl, add 1 cup of boiling water and stir in the strawberry Jell-O until completely dissolved. In another bowl, do the same with the berry blue Jell-O.

Add Jell-O to Cakes

Carefully pour the strawberry Jell-O over one of the baked cakes and the berry blue Jell-O over the other cake. Ensure the cakes are evenly coated.

Chill the Cakes

Cover the cakes and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours, or overnight to set the Jell-O.

Make the Frosting

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and Crisco until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Then, add in heavy whipping cream and coconut extract.

Add Powdered Sugar

Slowly mix in the confectioner’s sugar, a little at a time. If the frosting is too thick, you can add 1 teaspoon of heavy whipping cream until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Mix for an additional 2 minutes.

Assemble the Cake

Remove the cakes from the pans. Place one cake layer on a cake stand and spread about 1 cup of frosting on top. Place the remaining cake on top and cover the top and sides with frosting.

Decorate and Chill

Decorate the cake with colored frosting or sprinkles as desired. Place the cake back in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months to maintain quality.
Reheat: Not necessary; serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to poke holes evenly for better Jell-O absorption.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding Jell-O for best results.
• Use a spatula to evenly spread frosting on the sides for a polished look.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at summer barbecues for a festive treat.
• Perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings.
• Pair with fresh fruit or ice cream for a delightful dessert option.