How to Decorate an Independence Day Cake

There are many ways to celebrate Independence Day. From family picnics to amazing fireworks displays, the Fourth of July is one of the most action-packed days on the calendar. In addition to the good old apple pie, many Americans show their patriotism by decorating Independence Day cakes.

Things You'll Need

• Cake mix
• Rectangular baking pan
• Icing
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Select a cake recipe. Use an instant cake mix from your grocery store to save time, if need be. Follow the instructions to mix your batter.

2. Pour the cake batter into a rectangular baking pan. Select a pan size that resembles the shape of a flag.

3. Bake the cake until it's done. Remove the cake from the baking pan and allow it to cool on a baking rack.

4. Create red, white and blue cake icings. You can mix your own cake icing by using food coloring, or save time by purchasing ready-made cake icings from your grocery store.

5. Use the tip of a knife to gently sketch the outline of an American flag into your cake's surface. Outline space for 13 stripes and a square in the upper-left corner for the stars.

6. Spread red icing to create stripes on the white frosted background. Stay within the lines by using a knife or ruler as a stencil edge. You can also use a frosting bag to draw straight, even borders between your stripes.

7. Spread blue icing into the left-hand corner of the cake.

8. Create stars by using dollops of white icing and a frosting bag. Decorate using a star-shaped pastry nozzle to create extra detail. Alternately, try making stars by using white chocolate chips or decorative candies.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate your Independence Day cake with the help of an airbrushing kit. Start by icing your cake with an even layer of white icing. Then, use stencils to airbrush red stripes over the white frosting.

• The shape of your baking pan may slightly alter cooking times in recipes. Check to see if your cake is finished baking by inserting a toothpick into the cake's center. If the toothpick is clean when you withdraw it, the cake has finished baking.

• Make sure you give your cake plenty of time to cool before attempting to decorate it. Though the surface of your cake may feel cool within a few minutes of removing it from the oven, the center may still be quite hot.