American Flag Cup Cake

Name: American Flag Cupcake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups Domino® Golden Sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups milk; 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature; 8 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar; 2 tsp almond extract; 3-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream; Salt, to taste; Red and blue gel icing color

Published: June 11, 2025

by Olivia

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

This American Flag Cupcake is the perfect festive treat for Memorial Day or July 4th celebrations! With its vibrant colors and fun design, this cupcake cake not only looks amazing but is also easy to make. Pulling apart the cupcakes makes it a delightful addition to any gathering, ensuring everyone can enjoy a piece of this patriotic dessert.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appearance: The American Flag Cupcake is visually striking, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday table.
Easy to Assemble: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this dessert without stress.
Perfect for Groups: The pull-apart design allows for easy serving, making it great for parties and family gatherings.
Delicious Flavor: Moist vanilla cupcakes combined with rich buttercream frosting ensure every bite is a tasty delight.
Versatile Treat: While ideal for holidays, this cupcake cake can be enjoyed year-round for birthdays and other celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the perfect American Flag Cupcake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets or cupcake pans
Piping bags and tips
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make mixing ingredients effortless and ensure a uniform batter for fluffy cupcakes.
Piping bags and tips: Perfect for decorating with precision, allowing you to create beautiful designs on your cupcakes.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

2 1/2 cups (325g) all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tbsp (60ml) vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (310g) Domino® Golden Sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk

For the Buttercream Frosting

2 cups (448g) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 cups (920g) Domino® Powdered Sugar
2 tsp almond extract
3-5 tbsp (45ml-75ml) heavy whipping cream
Salt, to taste
Red and blue gel icing color

How to Make American Flag Cup Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
In another bowl, use a stand mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and Domino® Golden Sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Line your cupcake pans with liners.
Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter.
Bake in preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let them cool in pans for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and Domino® Powdered Sugar until creamy.
Add almond extract and mix well. Gradually add heavy whipping cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Divide frosting into three bowls; tint one red and one blue using gel icing colors.

Step 5: Decorate Your American Flag Cupcake Cake

Use white frosting as a base layer on top of the cooled cupcakes.
Decorate using red frosting in stripes and blue frosting in the corner to resemble an American flag.

Enjoy creating this delicious American Flag Cupcake that will surely impress at any summer celebration!

How to Serve American Flag Cup Cake

Serving your American Flag Cupcake is a delightful experience that enhances any festive gathering. This visually stunning dessert is perfect for holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, and it can be enjoyed in various fun ways.

Individual Cupcakes

Cupcake Wrappers: Use themed cupcake wrappers to add an extra layer of festivity.
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.

Cupcake Cake Display

Pull Apart Presentation: Arrange the cupcakes in a flag shape on a large platter for a stunning visual appeal.
Garnish with Berries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries and blueberries for added freshness and flavor.

Fun Toppings

Sprinkles: Add red, white, and blue sprinkles for an additional festive touch.
Whipped Cream: Serve with whipped cream on the side to enhance the creamy texture.

Beverage Pairings

Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade complements the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.
Sweet Tea: Offer sweet iced tea as a traditional Southern pairing that balances flavors well.

How to Perfect American Flag Cup Cake

To create the ultimate American Flag Cupcake, focus on technique and presentation. These tips will help you achieve cupcake perfection.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and airy.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup to avoid dense cupcakes caused by packing.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
Practice Piping Techniques: Experiment with different piping tips for beautiful frosting designs.

Best Side Dishes for American Flag Cup Cake

Pairing side dishes with your American Flag Cupcake can elevate your dessert table. Here are some delicious options:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, perfect for summer gatherings.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy side that balances out the sweetness of cupcakes.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds heartiness to your meal.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of the cupcakes.
BBQ Ribs: Savory ribs provide a hearty contrast to sweet desserts.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil skewers offer a light bite that pairs well with sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect American Flag Cupcake can be tricky. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring measurements: Always measure your ingredients precisely. Using too much flour or sugar can alter the cupcake texture.
Skipping room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a light, fluffy cake.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes that don’t rise well.
Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven is essential for properly rising cupcakes.
Using the wrong baking pan: Make sure you use the correct size and type of baking pan for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover American Flag Cupcakes in an airtight container.
They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Freezing American Flag Cup Cake

Wrap cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating American Flag Cup Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 5 minutes for a moist cupcake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an American Flag Cupcake?

An American Flag Cupcake is a festive dessert designed to resemble the flag of the United States, often made with red, white, and blue frosting.

How do I make my American Flag Cupcakes more patriotic?

You can enhance their look by using colored sprinkles or edible glitter, or by decorating with small flag picks for added flair.

Can I customize my American Flag Cupcake flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cupcake flavors like chocolate or lemon, while keeping the patriotic decorations.

How long does it take to make American Flag Cupcakes?

The total time is approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Are there any vegan options for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This delightful American Flag Cupcake is not only visually appealing but also delicious, making it perfect for summer celebrations like Memorial Day or July 4th. Enjoy customizing it with various flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Everyone will love pulling apart these festive treats!