a flag cake

this is a 4th of july tradition at our house.
here's one from a few years ago.

it's super easy,
the little people can help make it,
and, they are absolutely overcome with awe at the outcome!
and, that means this is one celebration worthy cake- to this mama!



if you want to make the 6 layer cake you need:
2 white cake mixes
3 containers of ready made frosting {I used white whipped hyvee brand}
2 round {8 inch} baking pans
food coloring {red & blue}
& pan spray {I use wilton pan release- it's the most amazing stuff! auntie k. introduced it to me- and its since become my cake baking best friend!}

okay....now to the cake:
mix the cake mixes according to package directions.
split the cake batter evenly between three bowls.

add red food coloring to one bowl:



add blue food coloring to one bowl:



leave one bowl alone {since it needs to stay white}.
grease up your pans.
pour in your colorful batter &
bake up your flag according to your cake mix instructions.



get those cakes out when they're set.
let them cool.

split each color in 1/2 &
you should have 2 layers of each color.

get out your frosting and go for it:
frosting,
cake layer,
frosting,
cake layer, and on and on till your cake it sky high- and your layers complete.

for me one helpful step in piling those layers on...without them falling amuck-
make sure each layer is smooth on top.
I always need to use my cake knife to shave a bit off each layer-
making sure it's super flat and even,
before adding the next layer.



while we've been filling up stomachs on our flag cake,
we've been trying to fill our minds with reflections on the 4th of July,
and how thankful we are for our liberty, our country, our home.

and we've found our hearts moved by this historical & spiritual reminder:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
verse 4