The Fourth of July has always felt like peak summer. Deep into the warm weather activities, the grill is well-seasoned, and you still have weeks of late sunsets ahead. The day itself is the perfect reason to gather loved ones for much-needed fun and food to celebrate the holiday. But this isn’t just a regular Thursday night dinner, so you have to step up your game when it comes to bringing a dish.

Recipes like Grandma’s apple pie, the treasured family mac and cheese, and grilled ribs with extra sauce are musts. With Independence Day fast approaching, it’s time to start planning a delicious spread. Luckily, Ina Garten shared a recipe with us that’s the perfect red, white, and blue centerpiece and will set the tone for a festive dessert table.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Berry Flag Cake 

In a recent Instagram post, Garten shared a flag cake decorated with raspberries and blueberries. The “Barefoot Contessa” star also revealed her recipe, which begins with a vanilla sour cream cake base. The cake is then generously topped with a layer of cream cheese frosting. 

A rectangle of blueberries is arranged in the upper left corner to make it look like a flag. Stripes are added, starting with two lines of raspberries, followed by two piped strips of frosting alternating to the bottom of the cake. Small stars piped on top of some blueberries add the finishing touch.

Fans responded by sharing their experiences with the recipe. “My daughter started making this cake when she was 13 and has made it most years for our July 4th party. It’s very impressive and tastes amazing!” said one commenter. “This magnificent cake is a tradition in our home…it’s a loving tribute to our glorious country [and a] deliciously beautiful way to celebrate the people you love!” added another.

Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Flag Cake

• Follow the directions closely. While the decorations make the cake look great, you don’t want them to be the only good part. Use the correct pan, measure ingredients carefully, and avoid a dry cake by paying close attention to the cake near the end of the baking time.
• Let the cake cool. You must cool the cake completely before you frost it. Otherwise, the residual heat will affect the frosting and could alter your decorations. Set it aside for 2 to 3 hours to let the cake cool, and consider making it the day before if that better fits your schedule.
• Carefully inspect produce. Berries are the star of the cake, so they must look as good as possible. Shop for deep-colored, vibrant fruit that is free from blemishes. Additionally, wash your fruit and give it ample drying time.
• Use the right tools. When decorating a flag cake, the right tools will set you up for success. A proper pastry bag, piping tips, and an offset spatula can be extremely helpful in achieving the look you want.

Remember that you can use any cake flavor since it’s frosted—chocolate cake, lemon cake, or even white cake with a flag design for a double flag surprise. So, volunteer to bring dessert to this year’s 4th of July party. We salute you.