Tasty Gluten-Free Flag Cake Recipe

Becky avatarPublished by | Last updated 20th June, 2025
⏲️Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
🙏Rating:

BBQ season is finally here, and what better way to celebrate those sunny afternoons spent with friends and family than with a stunning gluten-free flag cake?

This beauty isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant red strawberries, fresh blueberries, and creamy white frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, gluten-free or not, can enjoy without a worry.

Perfect for those laid-back garden parties or lively picnics, it brings a lovely splash of colour and a touch of tradition to your get-togethers, making every bite feel like a celebration of good times and great company.

gluten-free flag cake close up

What you’ll love about this recipe

Everyone can join the party!
Whether you’re gluten intolerant, have celiac disease, or just fancy a lighter treat, gluten-free flag cake means no one misses out on the fun. It’s inclusive and thoughtful, which is just lovely, isn’t it?

Delightfully Light and Fluffy
Gluten-free cakes often have a wonderful lightness that makes each bite feel like a little cloud of joy. It’s a refreshing change from heavier, gluten-laden cakes, making it ideal for a summer celebration.

A Stunning Showstopper
With its vibrant red, white, and blue layers, a flag cake is simply a feast for the eyes. It’s a brilliant way to add a bit of patriotic flair and charm to your tea table or picnic blanket.

Deliciously moist and tasty
Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavour-free, oh no! With the right ingredients, this cake stays wonderfully soft and scrumptious, proving gluten-free can be just as indulgent.

It pairs brilliantly with your favourite cuppa
Whether it’s a strong builder’s tea or a posh Earl Grey, this cake’s subtle sweetness and lovely texture make it the perfect companion for a cosy catch-up.

gluten-free flag cake recipe

Ingredients

For the cake 

  • 200g Gluten-free self-raising flour
  • 200g unsalted butter200
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the frosting 

  • 200g cream cheese
  • 3-4 tablespoons icing sugar
  • 100g blueberries
  • 200g strawberries

gluten-free flag cake left side

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C/356°F/Gas 4.
  • Grease a 9-inch square cake tin.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar and beat until pale.
  • Slowly add the beaten eggs one at a time, then slowly mix in the flour and baking powder.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, ensuring the batter is even.
  • Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it is golden and firm to the touch.
  • Leave to fully cool down.

gluten-free flag cake right side

Make the frosting 

  • Beat the cream cheese until runny.
  • Mix in the icing sugar until the cream cheese becomes smooth.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
  • Add the blueberries and sliced strawberries.
  • Keep cool until ready to serve.

gluten-free flag cake for 4th of July

What to serve with gluten-free flag cake

A dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream: it’s classic, it’s indulgent, and it adds that lovely creamy contrast to the cake’s layers. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone’s happy!

Fresh berries or a berry compote: think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. They add a burst of freshness and a pop of colour that complements the flag theme beautifully.

A pot of proper cup of tea: whether it’s a strong builder’s brew, a fragrant Earl Grey, or a calming chamomile, tea and cake are just made for each other.

Gluten-free biscuits or cookies: since you enjoy baking those, why not serve a few alongside for a bit of crunch and variety?

A light, zesty fruit salad or a crisp coleslaw:  if you’re having a bigger gathering or a BBQ, these fresh sides will balance the sweetness of the cake perfectly. 🎉🍰☕️

gluten-free flag cake recipe

Ready to create your own flag cake? Then let’s go!

gluten-free flag cake recipe

Tasty Gluten-Free Flag Cake

Avatar for BeckyBecky Terrell
BBQ season is finally here, and what better way to celebrate those sunny afternoons spent with friends and family than with a stunning gluten-free flag cake?
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 Servings
Calories 238 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g Gluten-free self-raising flour
  • 200 g Unsalted butter
  • 200 g Caster sugar
  • 1 tsp Gluten-free baking powder
  • 3 Eggs
  • 200 G Cream cheese
  • 3-4 tbsp Icing sugar
  • 100 g Blueberries
  • 200 g Strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C/356°F/Gas 4.
  • Grease a 9-inch square cake tin.
  •  In a large bowl, cream together to butter and sugar and beat until pale.
  • Slowly add the beaten eggs one at a time, then slowly mix in the flour and baking powder.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, ensuring the batter is even. 
  • Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it is golden and firm to the touch. 
  • Leave to fully cool down.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 73mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 486IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Flag Cake
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4th Of July Recipe Collection

These shish kebabs are part of our 4th of July recipe collection. Here are the other recipes in this collection👇

gluten-free flag cake detail

Gluten-Free Flag Cake Tips

Pick the right gluten-free flour mix

Go for a trusted blend like King Arthur Flour or a combination of almond and tapioca flours for that perfect moist and fluffy texture. Avoid single flours that can make the cake dry or crumbly.

Keep your berries fresh and dry

When decorating, make sure your strawberries and blueberries are washed just before use and patted dry. This stops them from sliding about on the frosting and keeps your flag looking neat and tidy.

Cool your cake completely before frosting

Patience is key here! If the cake’s still warm, your frosting might melt and run, ruining that crisp red, white, and blue design. Pop it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.

Use a creamy, stable frosting

Whether you prefer classic buttercream, coconut whipped cream, or a vegan cream cheese frosting, make sure it’s thick enough to hold the berries in place but still lovely and spreadable.

Decorate just before serving

To keep the berries fresh and prevent them from sweating into the frosting, add them right before you serve. If you want to prep ahead, bake and frost the cake in advance, but hold off on the fruit until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gluten-free flag cake suitable for people with celiac disease?

Absolutely! Gluten-free flag cake is made without any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it safe and delicious for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Can I make a vegan version of gluten-free flag cake?

Yes, you can! There are lovely recipes using brown rice flour and almond flour, combined with vegan cream cheese frosting and plant-based milk. It’s just as tasty and perfect for vegan friends.

What flours work best for gluten-free flag cake?

Popular choices include brown rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca starch. Often, a mix of these gives the best texture—light, moist, and fluffy without being crumbly.

How do I keep the berries from sliding off the frosting?

Make sure your strawberries and blueberries are washed just before use and completely dry before placing on the frosting. This helps them stick nicely without sliding around.

Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Definitely! You can bake and frost the cake a day or two ahead. Just add the fresh berries right before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.

Is gluten-free flag cake lower in fat or sugar than traditional cakes?

Some recipes use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or organic cane sugar and avoid refined white sugar, making them a bit lighter. Plus, using dairy-free or vegan frostings can reduce fat content too.

What’s the best way to decorate a gluten-free flag cake?

Fresh strawberries and blueberries are the classic choice for the red and blue parts of the flag, with creamy white frosting as the base. Slice strawberries thinly for neat stripes and use whole blueberries for the starry blue section.


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Becky Terrell ✍️

Becky avatarHi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments

There is 1 comment on this post.

  • Avatar for Mike Steeden
    Mike Steeden replied on July 8, 2025:

    5 stars
    Perfect for the 4th!


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