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Moist Fourth of July Dessert with Cream Cheese Frosting

moist Fourth of July dessert with cream cheese frosting - featured image

A simple yet indulgent moist cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for summer celebrations like the Fourth of July. This easy recipe combines everyday ingredients for a tender, flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 315g)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat sour cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula after each addition.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  11. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
  13. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Smooth with an offset spatula or butter knife.
  14. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
  15. Decorate with fresh berries, edible stars, or red and blue sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not skip the sour cream to keep the cake moist. Gradually add powdered sugar to frosting to avoid dust. Chill the assembled cake before serving for cleaner slices and better frosting texture. Can substitute gluten-free flour or vegan ingredients as noted in variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fourth of July dessert, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, summer dessert, easy cake recipe, patriotic dessert