Patriotic Flag Cake (a.k.a Mixed Berry “Shortcake” Sheet Cake)

My Grandmother is a huge coffee drinker and freshly brewed coffee will always remind me of her. I vividly remember the way her house always smelled of coffee and the way she looked sitting in her favorite chair, her worn and weathered hands carefully wrapped around her delicate coffee cup as she slowly sipped on piping hot coffee. I can still hear her reliving events of the past as she gazed longingly into the distance. Many of these stories centered around my Mother and her siblings; but then there were times she would talk about my Grandfather. As she shared these stores, I hung onto every word she uttered, every breath she took; because I ached to know my Grandfather, who passed away many years before I was born.

And while I never got to meet my grandfather, I feel like I still know him! Stories of how he was an amazing father and husband, hard working man, and honored World War II Veteran, live on. I love that my immediate and extended family always celebrate my Grandfather’s memory and military service, specifically on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

As I grow older, I can appreciate these moments and memories even more. I take every opportunity I have to visit with my Grandmother; to learn from her and to truly listen to these stories of the past and loved ones I have never known. Since my Grandmother is a big time coffee lover and to show her I have been listening to her stories all these years, I would love to sit down with her as an adult and share a special “coffee moment” and patriotic themed treat. I hope that we can honor my Grandfather’s legacy and look through his war time photos and journals.

This summer, in honor of my Grandfather and to celebrate Independence Day; I would like to take time to honor him and his service in the armed forces during World War II, as well as, all the other brave men and women, past and present, who serve this country. I encourage you to also take time to share ‘coffee moments’ with your family members, friends, neighbors, or even complete strangers that have a military connection. To make your “coffee moment” memorable, pick up some special edition patriotic themed bottles of French Vanilla or Hazelnut Coffee-mate coffee creamer at your local Walmart from now through Independence Day. To honor our military heroes, Nestle Coffee-mate is proud to partner with Operation Homefront, which provides a wide range of support for military families.

In this season that honors allegiance and our country, and to create a special “coffee moment” to share with my Grandmother; I wanted to create a festive and patriotic dessert that would pair well with coffee. My Grandmother’s other favorite thing, besides coffee, is Strawberry Shortcake. Inspired by her, I decided to make an “All American” Shortcake Sheet Cake (a.k.a Mixed Berry “Shortcake” Sheet Cake) decorated like the American flag. I couldn’t think of a better treat to celebrate our nation and the people who give their lives to serve our country!

Patriotic Flag Cake (a.k.a Mixed Berry “Shortcake” Sheet Cake) 
by Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Version 
Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 8-12 minutes Wait Time: 30 minutes Yields: 1 (15.2 x 10.2 inch) cake

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 (18 1/4-ounce) package butter cake mix
2 eggs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Whipped Cream Topping:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons liquid Coffee-mate French Vanilla coffee creamer
1 container (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Fresh Fruit Topping:
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced in half
½ cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 15.2 x 10.2 inch sheet pan.

For cake: Stir together the cake mix, eggs, butter and flour; stirring until well combined (dough will be sticky). Sprinkle flour on fingers and evenly pat the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake cake in preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow cake to cool completely before topping.

Whipped Cream Topping: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla creamer until well blended. Carefully fold in the whipped topping. Refrigerate topping until ready to use.

To assemble flag cake: Using an offset spatula, spread prepared whip topping evenly over cooled cake. Arrange blueberries in upper left corner of frosted cake to create stars, approximately six rows of 6 to 8 blueberries. Then arrange strawberries in rows over frosted cake to create stripes. Serve immediately or store covered in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Note: While, this cake is cute with the fruit arranged in the shape of a flag; it can simply be topped as desired with assorted mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries).