Patriotic Dot Cakes (The Viral Dessert Trend with a Red, White and Blue Twist)
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Patriotic Dot Cakes are a fun red, white, and blue twist on the viral dessert trend that’s taking over social media. Made with layers of cake, colorful Funfetti frosting, and a crunchy nonpareil topping, these individual dessert jars are as fun to eat as they are to look at.
When I first started seeing Dot Cakes all over TikTok and Facebook, I knew I wanted to create a version that would be perfect for summer holidays. These patriotic Dot Cakes are easy to make ahead, simple to transport, and ideal for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations. Since they’re served in individual jars with lids, they’re also one of the easiest desserts to take to a cookout or potluck.
Table of contents
What Are Dot Cakes?
Dot Cakes are individual dessert jars layered with cake and frosting and topped with a thick coating of nonpareils, also known as candy dots. After chilling, the frosting firms up while the nonpareils stay crunchy, creating the signature texture that made Dot Cakes go viral.
Most Dot Cakes feature bright colors and playful decorations, but this patriotic version adds a festive red, white, and blue spin that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Why I Love This Patriotic Dot Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy patriotic dessert, these Dot Cakes check all the boxes.
- Inspired by the viral Dot Cake trend
- Perfect for Fourth of July parties
- Easy to make ahead
- Individual servings eliminate the need for cutting and serving
- Easy to transport with lids
- Made with simple grocery store ingredients
- Kid-friendly and party-friendly
- The crunchy dot topping makes every bite fun
Ingredients for Red White and Blue Dot Cakes
One of the things I love most about these Patriotic Dot Cakes is that they come together with just a handful of simple store-bought ingredients. The colorful frosting does most of the work, making these dessert jars easy enough for anyone to make.
White Cake Mix
A boxed white cake mix creates a soft, fluffy base for the cake layers. You’ll also need the eggs, oil, and water called for on the package directions.
Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Frosting
The colorful frosting creates the signature patriotic layers inside the jars. I used one container each of red, white, and blue Funfetti frosting for a fun red, white, and blue look.
Sprinkles from the Frosting Containers
Don’t throw away the sprinkles that come with the frosting. Stir them into the cake batter before baking to add colorful specks throughout the cake.
Red, White, and Blue Nonpareils
These tiny candy dots create the crunchy topping that makes Dot Cakes so popular. After chilling, they give the frosting its signature texture and appearance.
How to Make Viral Dot Cakes
These festive dessert jars come together in just a few simple steps.
The Secret to the Best Dot Cake Texture
The magic of Dot Cakes happens in the refrigerator.
As the jars chill, the frosting firms up and holds the nonpareils in place. This creates the crunchy topping that makes Dot Cakes so unique. For the best texture, refrigerate the jars for at least one hour, although overnight is even better.
Make-Ahead Fourth of July Dessert Jars
One of my favorite things about these Patriotic Dot Cakes is that they’re incredibly easy to make ahead.
I usually prepare them the day before a party, add the lids, and store them in the refrigerator until I’m ready to leave. Since each serving is already portioned, there’s no cutting, plating, or cleanup once you arrive.
They’re perfect for:
- Fourth of July cookouts
- Memorial Day celebrations
- Labor Day parties
- Church potlucks
- Family reunions
- Pool parties
- Neighborhood gatherings
- Fireworks events
Tips for Perfect Patriotic Dot Cakes
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting circles.
- Use clear jars so the colorful layers are visible.
- Pipe frosting all the way to the edges for clean layers.
- Press firmly into the nonpareils for complete coverage.
- Refrigerate overnight for the firmest texture.
- Store covered until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dot Cakes get their name from the crunchy layer of nonpareils that cover the top of each dessert. The candy dots create the signature look and texture.
Yes. In fact, they’re even better after chilling for several hours.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This recipe is designed for 4-ounce jars, but honestly, it’ll work with containers of almost any size and shape. Just layer in your cake and frosting then top with nonpareils.
Yes. The frosting firms up around them while they maintain their crunchy texture.
You can use any frosting that you like, whether it be vanilla, chocolate, or even cream cheese. Feel free to use a store-bought frosting or make your own! You can also dye your white frosting red and blue for the pretty layered effect using a good quality gel food coloring.
Patriotic Dot Cakes
Ingredients
- 15 oz box white cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix package, typically eggs, oil, and water
- 1 can Red Funfetti Frosting
- 1 can White Funfetti Frosting
- 1 can Blue Funfetti Frosting
- 1 cup red, white, and blue nonpareils
Directions
- Preheat oven according to cake mix package directions. Prepare the cake batter according to package directions and stir in the sprinkles included with the Funfetti frosting containers. Spread the batter into a greased half-sheet pan and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until cooked through. Cool completely.
- Using a round cutter the same diameter as your 4-ounce jars, cut circles from the cake. Slice each circle horizontally to create two thinner layers.
- Place one thin cake layer into the bottom of each jar. Pipe a layer of red frosting over the cake and spread to the edges. Add another thin layer of cake, then pipe a layer of blue frosting and spread to the edges. Fill the remaining space in the jar with white frosting and smooth the tops.
- Spread the nonpareils onto a plate. Turn each jar upside down and gently press the frosting into the nonpareils until the entire top is coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Clear 4-ounce jars show off the patriotic layers beautifully.
- These can be made up to 2 days ahead.
- The frosting firms up as the jars chill, creating the signature Dot Cake texture.
- Add lids after chilling for easy transport to cookouts, potlucks, and parties.
- Leftover cake scraps are perfect for snacking.
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More Easy Patriotic Desserts
If you’re planning a summer celebration, be sure to try some of my other patriotic favorites. These easy desserts are perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
