Flag Cake

To celebrate Independence Day (and my birthday which is July 3rd), it seemed fitting that this patriotic cake made an appearance on the "menu." It is super easy to decorate and the kids can help you!! I used a yellow boxed cake (18.25 ounces) and a 16-ounce tub of vanilla frosting. Both were the Pillsbury brand, but please feel free to use whatever brand or flavor is your family's favorite.  Blueberries are the "stars" and strawberries are the "stripes."  You could use blackberries or raspberries in place of the blueberries.  Just make sure whatever fruit you use, rinse and thoroughly pat dry. For the "stripes",  I used eight strawberries (which were all different sizes) and cut them in half and then cut each half into three slices. I used 36 blueberries for the "stars."  

  

  I would suggest making this cake ahead of time for your picnic or get-together, loosely cover with foil and put in the fridge until just before you want to eat it.  You probably don't want this cake sitting out in the sun :)  I think using the fruit instead of decorator icing is kind of a welcome change.  There is really no wrong way to decorate this cake - let your imagination run wild!!  Happy 4th of July!!