Tradition is what keeps family and friends close. America recently celebrated their Independence Day and a food favourite amongst all Americans is their traditional Flag Cake. A delectable masterpiece in the shape and decoration of their national flag. The flag cake is a sponge based dessert with a topping of cream cheese frosting mixed with fruit. A perfect celebratory dessert to be enjoyed after any meal. The mixture of the fruit with the cream cheese frosting balanced with the prefect light sponge is indeed a celebration in your mouth!

Ingredients 

2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter thawed
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup sour cream  
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

For the icing 

1 unsalted butter
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

To assemble 

2 half-pints black grapes
3 half-pints strawberries

Directions 

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 18 by 13 by 1 1/2-inch sheet pan. Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on high speed, until light and fluffy. On medium speed, add the eggs, 2 at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.

For the icing, combine the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mixing just until smooth.

Spread three-fourths of the icing on the top of the cooled sheet cake. Typically the cake is decorated in the American flag, but you can do your own decoration  with the fruit and leftover frosting. Simple deliciousness in every bite.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe