Hey there, friends and neighbors! I hope this message finds you all healthy and happy, ready to whip up a little something special for the family. Today, I want to share with you all a heartfelt recipe that's near and dear to my Midwestern roots – it's a patriotic dessert I like to call the "God Bless America Cake." This wonderful cake is a colorful tribute to our beautiful country and is just the perfect centerpiece for any patriotic holiday – think Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any day you feel like showing a bit of American pride. There's nothing complicated about this recipe, making it a great option for busy moms and dads who still want to create that little extra something for their loved ones. So, buckle up, buttercup, and let's get baking!

Now, before we get into the batter and berries, let me just tell you about serving this beauty. Once you've got your God Bless America Cake all set and looking like a firework display, you're gonna want something to serve alongside it. I like to keep it simple with some homemade whipped cream or a scoop of good old vanilla ice cream. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint, and you've got yourself a dessert that'll have everyone saluting!

Servings: 12-15 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 box of white or yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box: usually water, oil, and eggs)
- 1 pint of fresh blueberries, washed and dried
- 1 pint of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 can of cherry pie filling (21 ounces)
- 1 container of whipped topping (8 ounces), or equivalent homemade whipped cream
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions — typically around 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cake batter according to the package directions. Pour half of the batter into your prepared casserole dish.

3. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the batter.

4. Gently pour the remaining cake batter on top, careful not to disturb the berries too much.

5. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly smooth the cherry pie filling over the top layer of batter.

6. Bake as directed on the cake mix box, usually about 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the casserole dish on a wire rack.

8. Once cooled, spread the whipped topping over the cherry layer.

9. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern to resemble stripes, creating a flag design with the blueberries and strawberries.

10. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch just before serving.

Variations & Tips:

- If there's a history of picky eaters at your table, you can always set aside a portion without the berries or with just their favorite fruit.
- Don't fret if you're out of fresh berries—frozen ones work in a pinch, just make sure they're thawed and well-drained to avoid a soggy cake.
- Feeling extra patriotic? Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern to represent the stitching on Old Glory.
- This cake is best enjoyed the day it's made, but you can keep any leftovers in the fridge (if there are any!).

There you have it, folks—a dessert that's as dazzling as the grand old flag itself! I hope you enjoy making this God Bless America Cake as much as I do, and that it brings a smile to your face and those you hold dear. Happy baking and God bless!

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove