I love recipes that look impressive but are actually simple. This Red White and Blue Cake is one of those — it delivers a show-stopping result with a few easy shortcuts. Read on to learn how to make a festive bundt cake perfect for patriotic celebrations or any occasion where you want colorful flair without a lot of fuss.
Why you’ll love this patriotic cake
The secret to this cake’s ease is a box cake mix. Using a quality cake mix keeps the process quick while still producing a moist, flavorful cake. It’s a great foundation you can color and style to match any celebration. If you enjoy easy desserts, this bundt delivers both convenience and wow factor.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes vanilla or French vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 cups whole milk
- red gel food coloring and sky blue gel food coloring
- baking spray for the pan
- patriotic sprinkles
How to make Red White and Blue Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a bundt pan with baking spray and set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large mixing bowl and electric mixer), combine the cake mixes, eggs, softened butter, and milk. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined, about 4–5 minutes.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Tint one bowl with red gel food coloring and mix until the color is even. Tint the second bowl with sky blue gel food coloring. Leave the third bowl plain for the white sections.
Using a spoon, drop alternating spoonfuls of red, white, and blue batter into the prepared bundt pan. Continue layering until all the batter is used. Run a knife through the batter very gently to create a light swirl — don’t overmix or the colors will blend too much.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. When cool, invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate and lift the pan off to release the cake.
This colorful bundt is lovely on its own, but a simple vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of patriotic decorations make it extra festive. Below are glaze ingredients and instructions.
Vanilla glaze ingredients
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3–5 tablespoons whole milk (add to reach desired consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, thin it with more milk a teaspoon at a time until pourable. Transfer the glaze to a measuring cup or a container with a spout for easier pouring. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle patriotic sprinkles on top. Let the glaze set before slicing.
This Red White and Blue Cake is a crowd-pleaser and a quick option when you want a festive dessert with minimal effort. It’s ideal for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or any time you want a colorful centerpiece.
📖 Recipe
Red White and Blue Cake
Ingredients
- 2 boxes French vanilla or vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 cups whole milk
- Red and sky blue gel food coloring
- Baking spray
- Patriotic sprinkles
Vanilla glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3–5 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a bundt pan with baking spray.
- Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, combine cake mixes, eggs, softened butter, and milk. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 4–5 minutes.
- Divide batter into three bowls. Tint one bowl red and one bowl blue; leave the third plain.
- Spoon alternating colors into the bundt pan until all batter is used. Gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan, then invert onto a serving plate.
- To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over cooled cake and add sprinkles. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Nutrition info is approximate and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. White cake mix works fine if you prefer it; vanilla adds a bit more flavor but either will produce a good result.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to bring it back toward room temperature.
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