Two white cake mixes (can make from scratch, if you want) and the ingredients needed on the box.

Round baking pans

Red and blue food coloring. Recommend using a gel food coloring like Wilton for richer color

Red, white and blue sprinkles for the top of the cake (optional)

Prepare the white cake mix per the directions on the box.

Split the mixed batter and add the red and blue food coloring

Make one round pan of blue cake and one red

Make the second cake mix and leave it white. You will only need one white round cake, so you can use the second pan for an extra treat later

Let all the cakes cool

Use a serrated knife to slice the red cake and white cakes in half horizontally

Take the blue cake, and both layers of red and white cakes and put them in the fridge or freezer to cool. This will make them easier to work with

Stack the blue cake, plus ONE layer each of red and white on a plate

Use a bowl to measure a circle in the center and cut around it

You will need the ring of blue and the center circles of red and white—the rest can be eaten, discarded or may be good for cake pops

Put the white full layer (the one you didn’t cut a hole in) on a plate and ice with white frosting (Use store frosting or see frosting recipe below)

Put the red full layer on top and frost

Set the blue ring on top and frost the insides lightly

Add the white circle in the middle and frost lightly

Top with the red circle. Gently push down on the red and white layers so they are roughly even with the blue ring to form an even top to the cake

Ice the top and sides of the cake and add sprinkles, as desired

Cool the whole cake in the fridge. Slice open and see your flag! 🇺🇸

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

10 Tablespoons butter, softened

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups powered sugar, sifted