A Strawberry Jello Flag Cake is a soft vanilla cake soaked in strawberry-flavored gelatin, topped with whipped cream, and decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries to look like the American flag.
It’s an easy dessert perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any summer party.
Every summer, I look forward to making this Strawberry Jello Flag Cake for our 4th of July barbecue.
I still remember the first time I made it — I was trying to impress my in-laws, and I needed something that looked festive but didn’t require bakery-level skills.
This cake totally saved me! It’s a fun mix of fruity, fluffy, and moist, and it’s become my go-to when I want something that screams “celebration” without stressing me out in the kitchen.
This recipe starts with a box of vanilla cake mix (yes, we’re keeping it easy!), and then I poke it full of strawberry jello for that bright red stripe of flavor.
The whipped cream topping is light and sweet, and the fresh fruit flag design gives it the perfect patriotic touch. Trust me — this is one of those recipes that people always ask for after the first bite.
How To Make Strawberry Jello Flag Cake?
Recipe Overview
Strawberry Jello Flag Cake is a festive red-white-and-blue dessert made with cake mix, strawberry jello, whipped topping, and fresh fruit. It’s colorful, refreshing, and a hit with both kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 12 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 310
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan (for boiling water)
- Wooden spoon or large skewer (for poking holes)
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading whipped topping)
Ingredients
- 16.5 oz vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water (for cake mix)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 oz strawberry Jello mix
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 8 oz whipped cream (like Cool Whip)
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
Ingredient Notes
Cake Mix: You can use any brand, just make sure it’s about 16.5 oz. White cake mix works too if you prefer an even lighter base.
Jello: Stick with regular strawberry gelatin, not sugar-free. It gives the best flavor and color.
Whipped Cream: I use store-bought whipped topping for ease, but homemade whipped cream works if you’re up for it.
Fruit: Fresh is best. Wash and dry them well before decorating.
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Cool and Poke
Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large skewer, poke holes all over the top. Go deep enough so the jello seeps in, but not all the way through the bottom.
Step 3: Make the Jello
In a small bowl, mix the boiling water with the strawberry Jello powder. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the cold water and stir again.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Slowly pour the jello over the cake, letting it fill the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Use blueberries to create the stars part of the flag in the upper left corner. Line up strawberry slices for the red stripes across the rest of the cake.
Tip: Start decorating from the top left and work your way out — it’s easier to space everything evenly this way!
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
2. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
3. Garnish with a few mint leaves if you want a pop of green.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Flavour of Jello?
Yes! Raspberry or cherry jello both taste great, but it won’t be a true Strawberry Jello Flag Cake anymore.
Can I Freeze Strawberry Jello Flag Cake?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the jello-soaked cake without the topping or fruit. Thaw, then decorate before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that’s colorful, fun, and perfect for summer celebrations, give this Strawberry Jello Flag Cake a try. It’s one of those desserts that looks like you worked harder than you actually did (my favorite kind!).
If you try this recipe, leave me a comment below and tell me how it turned out. And if you have your own twist on it, I’d love to hear that too!
Strawberry Jello Flag Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan (for boiling water)
- Wooden spoon or large skewer (for poking holes)
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading whipped topping)
Ingredients
- 16.5 oz vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water for cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 oz strawberry Jello mix
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 8 oz whipped cream like Cool Whip
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Cool and Poke
- Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large skewer, poke holes all over the top. Go deep enough so the jello seeps in, but not all the way through the bottom.
Step 3: Make the Jello
- In a small bowl, mix the boiling water with the strawberry Jello powder. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the cold water and stir again.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
- Slowly pour the jello over the cake, letting it fill the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Use blueberries to create the stars part of the flag in the upper left corner. Line up strawberry slices for the red stripes across the rest of the cake.
- Tip: Start decorating from the top left and work your way out — it’s easier to space everything evenly this way!
