This red, white, and blue July 4th cake is one of my favorites because it checks all the boxes: festive, fabulous, full of flavor and EASY. It’s got the wow factor that makes people say, “Wait… YOU made that?!” but it’s easy enough to pull off in an afternoon. Whether you bake it from a box or give a Walmart bakery cake a total makeover, it’s a win-win—you enjoy making it, it looks amazing, and the people you’re serving it to will feel extra special.
Let’s be real—when it comes to July 4th desserts, most people just want something that looks cute, tastes amazing, and doesn’t take a degree in pastry arts to pull off. That’s exactly what I’m here for. If you’re someone who loves a fun, crafty cake project that feels a little like an edible art piece and makes you the star of the cookout, you’re in the right place.
Why I love this July 4th Cake
• I love cakes that make people go “WOW,” but don’t take three days and a piping diploma to pull off.
• Easy enough for a beginner, cute enough to make you look like a pro
• Doubles as dessert and a patriotic art project (cue the sense of accomplishment)
• Can be gluten-free friendly if you choose the right cake base
INGREDIENTS NOTES
• Chocolate Candies – Red, white, and blue milk chocolate candies (like M&M’s, available seasonally)
• Cake – Use a yellow boxed mix (I used gluten free because my daughter is gluten intolerant), homemade cake, or a basic Walmart bakery cake
• Buttercream Frosting – Homemade is best! (Recipe below)
How to Make It (Using Cake Mix)
1 – Line Pans: Cut parchment to fit pans, spray with nonstick spray, and line the bottoms. This step makes cake removal drama-free.
2 – Bake the Cake: Mix up the cake and bake in two 6-inch pans according to the package. Let cool completely. Resist the urge to frost while warm—no one wants a buttercream meltdown.
3 – Make the Frosting: My homemade vanilla buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and way better than anything from a can. Recipe below.
4 – Assemble & Decorate: Stack the layers, frost generously, and press chocolate candies into the sides of the cake in a diagonal pattern.
Optional Step – Glow Up: If using a Walmart cake, skip baking and purchase two 6-inch vanilla cakes. Just remove the frosting (a plastic spatula works great), apply homemade buttercream, and decorate as above.
Tips for Success
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better texture.
• Do not chill cake before decorating so the candies will stick to the soft frosting.
• Don't put decorated cake in the refrigerator because the M&M's will lose their color.
FAQs
• Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix or a homemade recipe. Most chocolate candies like M&M’s are gluten-free (but always check the label).
• Can I freeze this cake? Yes—if you want to make it ahead, you can freeze the baked (but undecorated) cake layers. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Just be sure not to freeze the fully decorated cake, as the chocolate candies don’t hold up well in the freezer and can lose their color or texture. Thaw the layers completely before frosting and decorating.
• How should I store it? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the M&M candies can lose their color if refrigerated—though they’re still perfectly edible, just not as vibrant!
Happy Baking and Happy 4th! ??? Let your cake sparkle as much as the fireworks.
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Easy Red White and Blue Cake for July 4th
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 yellow cake mix, prepared according to package (or 2 walmart 6-inch cakes if you want to do the glow-up version)
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar or 16 ounces
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream or 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups M&M candies in red, white and blue
Instructions
For the cake
- Prepare cake mix according to package. Bake in 2 greased 6-inch round cake pans for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Let cool. Or use two 6-inch Walmart cakes. Here’s the glow-up: scrape off the store-bought frosting (yes, it’s legal), slather it with dreamy homemade buttercream.
For the buttercream.
- Beat softened butter on medium speed with an electric or stand mixer. Beat for 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Note: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more cream. Just add one tablespoon at a time, then mix thoroughly until you get the consistency you like.
- *Note: If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or water instead. If using milk or water, I would try 3 tablespoons instead of ¼ cup. If it's too thick, add another tablespoon.
- For the decoration, place M&M's on side of cake in a diagonal line in each color. Start with red, then white, then blue. Repeat until you have gone all around the cake. Pipe swirls of frosting on top using a 1M pastry tip. Add more M&M's to top of cake and paper flags, if desired.
Sharol says
I am baking this cake for one of my students whose birthday is tomorrow. She requested a m&m cake so I gooled and yor recipe came up. Your recipe is very decorative and easy to make. Thank you for posting it.
Lise Ode says
Hi Sharol - I'm so glad you found my recipe. I hope the cake turned out great for your student!
Robin says
This looks so festive -perfect for Fourth of July. Can't wait to make it.
Robin