Canadian Flag Dessert Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Canadian Flag Dessert Cake.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   While it warms up, take an 11x17-inch baking pan with 1-inch high sides and give it a good greasing and flouring to ensure your cake slides out easily later.

3. Step 3

   In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together the sugar and softened butter on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this should take just a few minutes and will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

4. Step 4

   Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.

5. Step 5

   Then, blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined.

6. Step 6

   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

7. Step 7

   Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

8. Step 8

   Mix just until everything is combined, and don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure no ingredients are left behind.

9. Step 9

   Now, pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the corners and smoothing the top with a spatula.

10. Step 10

    Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Step 11

    Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 30 minutes—this is the perfect time to clean up a bit and get excited about the frosting! To remove the cake, gently run a paring knife around the edges to loosen it.

12. Step 12

    Place a plate or cooling rack over the pan and carefully invert it to transfer the cake onto the plate.

13. Step 13

    For the frosting, in a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with your electric mixer on medium speed until it’s fluffy and inviting, which should take about 2 minutes.

14. Step 14

    Then, lower the speed and slowly pour in the cream.

15. Step 15

    Once it’s all mixed in, crank the speed back up to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form, which will take another couple of minutes.

16. Step 16

    Now, spread that creamy frosting evenly over the top and sides of your cooled cake, smoothing it out to create a beautiful finish.

17. Step 17

    For a festive touch, arrange 2 to 3 rows of overlapping strawberry slices along the short sides of the cake to mimic the red stripes of the Canadian flag.

18. Step 18

    Use a toothpick to trace a maple leaf shape in the center of the cake, filling it in with additional sliced strawberries, using strips for the leaf stem.

19. Step 19

    Finally, pop the cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

20. Step 20

    Enjoy this delightful creation that’s sure to impress your family and friends!.