Easy Strawberry Jello Flag Cake for 4th of July

It’s not a real Fourth of July party without something red, white, and blue on the dessert table—and few treats capture that spirit better than a Strawberry Jello Flag Cake. Cool, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make, this dessert brings together fluffy cake, fruity jello, and whipped topping in one festive, refreshing bite.

This isn’t some fancy bakery-style cake that takes all day to perfect. This is backyard comfort food—a sheet cake soaked in strawberry jello, topped with whipped cream, and decorated with fresh berries in the pattern of the American flag. It’s nostalgic. It’s crowd-friendly. And it’s damn delicious straight out of the fridge on a hot summer day.

You can make it with store-bought cake mix, homemade batter, or even a gluten-free base if you want to keep it diet-friendly. The best part? You can prep it the day before, let it chill overnight, and just decorate it before serving. It’s easy enough for beginners, pretty enough to impress, and guaranteed to disappear before the fireworks start.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Jello Flag Cake

• Cool and refreshing: Served chilled—perfect for hot summer gatherings.
• Festive and patriotic: Red, white, and blue design brings that all-American flair.
• Make-ahead magic: Prep a day early and chill until party time.
• Semi-homemade: Use cake mix and jello for simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: Use light ingredients, gluten-free cake, or different berries as needed.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus eggs, water, and oil as called for)
• 1 (3 oz) box strawberry jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

For the Topping

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ pint fresh blueberries

Optional Additions

• Fresh raspberries (for the red stripes)
• Vanilla pudding layer between cake and topping
• Gelatin-stabilized whipped cream for piping details

Instructions/Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven and prepare cake mix according to package directions.
2. Pour batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake as directed until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Jello Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, combine strawberry jello with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add ½ cup cold water and stir again.
3. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake—especially across the top.
4. Slowly pour the jello mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Decorate the Flag

1. Once the cake is chilled and the jello is set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface.
2. In the top-left corner, place blueberries in a rectangle to represent the flag’s star field.
3. Arrange sliced strawberries or raspberries in horizontal rows across the cake to mimic red stripes.
4. Leave the whipped topping showing between red rows for white stripes.

Tips & Variations

Tips

• Cool completely before adding jello or you’ll melt the base.
• Use a spoon to control the jello pour and avoid flooding one side.
• Chill overnight for clean, flavorful layers and better slicing.
• Use clear baking dish to show off the red jello-soaked cake beneath the whipped layer.

Variations

• Use lemon or vanilla pudding between cake and topping for a creamy twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check jello ingredients.
• Use stabilized whipped cream if serving outdoors to hold shape longer.
• Add a blueberry jam layer under the whipped topping for an extra berry boost.

Note

Always dry berries before placing on the cake to avoid watering down the whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled: Keep in fridge until ready to slice.
• Pair with iced drinks: Lemonade, tea, or sparkling water balance the sweetness.
• Make it portable: Chill, then slice into bars and serve in cupcake liners.
• Add candles or sparklers for a party-perfect presentation.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1/12 of cake):

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 32g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Use light whipped topping and sugar-free jello to reduce calories.

User Reviews/Comments

“Made this for our neighborhood potluck—looked amazing and tasted even better.” – Leah H., Pennsylvania
“So easy my 10-year-old helped decorate it. A new tradition for sure.” – Chris R., Texas
“The jello makes the cake so moist and flavorful. Loved it chilled.” – Dana F., Arizona
“We used raspberries instead of strawberries—still perfect.” – Marta G., Oregon
“Gone in minutes. Everyone wanted the recipe.” – Kevin M., Florida

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake the night before?
Absolutely! It’s actually better after chilling overnight. Just decorate with berries the day of serving.

Q: What if I don’t have strawberries?
Use raspberries, red grapes, or even red candy for the stripes.

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but stabilize it with a little gelatin if serving outdoors or ahead of time.

Q: Is it safe to leave this out at a picnic?
Keep it chilled as long as possible. Store in a cooler or on ice if outdoors for more than an hour.

Q: Can I make this in cupcake form?
Yes! Bake cupcakes, poke and fill with jello, then top and decorate individually.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Jello Flag Cake is summer simplicity at its best—cool, sweet, and proudly patriotic. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or just feeding your family before the fireworks, this dessert delivers nostalgia, flavor, and eye-catching flair without the fuss. With a jello-soaked base, creamy topping, and bright fresh fruit, it’s the kind of cake that disappears as fast as the sparklers.

Easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to earn compliments, this red, white, and blue beauty belongs at the center of your Fourth of July table. Want to learn more about the history of jello desserts in American cuisine? Check out this article on gelatin desserts.

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