This weekend is America's 240th birthday. It's also the third year in a row I have attempted to make Food Network Magazine's Fourth of July themed cake. I've been baking alongside my mom for as long as I can remember, but I am always up for a challenge. That's why I dub my Fourth of July tradition as the "Flag Cake Conquest." What could be more patriotic than a former Miss USA baking a flag cake for July 4th?! I first started documenting my "Flag Cake Conquest" on Twitter in 2014 with Food Network's Ice Cream Flag Cake. While my cake in the end turned out to be a little sad (thanks to a not so great freezer), Tor and I had a complete blast in the kitchen. Even some of his TV costars came by to cheer me on as I attempted to create a multi-layer cake of ice cream and sorbet. Ever since then, I have always had a Flag Cake Conquest for July 4th. This year would be no different. The July/August issue of Food Network Magazine (on newsstands now!) features an unexpected component in their traditional flag cake - jello!

I had never created a jello cake before, and I was up for the challenge. It involved creating blue stars made out of jello and layering white gelatin and red gelatin for stripes. It was a very lengthy process, but there was the promise of cake on the other end! Even Renly was curious... After making the red gelatin, I began the layering process for the cake. To layer the white gelatin on top, it was suggested to use the back of a spoon so you don't create a dent in the cake. Next, it was time to carefully place the blue stars inside the cake. You can see how much I was concentrating on this! Applying the gelatin layers takes the most time since each layer has to refrigerate for about 20 minutes before you apply the next layer. What's great about this cake for those who are nervous about baking is it's actually a no-bake cake! No ovens required, just your refrigerator. Time for the moment of truth and ta da!!!! A successful Flag Cake Conquest!

Pick up the latest issue of Food Network Magazine on newsstands now to attempt your own flag cake conquest! Happy Fourth of July!

This weekend is America’s 240th birthday. It’s also the third year in a row I have attempted to make Food Network Magazine’s Fourth of July themed cake. I’ve been baking alongside my mom for as long as I can remember, but I am always up for a challenge. That’s why I dub my Fourth of July tradition as the “Flag Cake Conquest.” What could be more patriotic than a former Miss USA baking a flag cake for July 4th?!

I first started documenting my “Flag Cake Conquest” on Twitter in 2014 with Food Network’s Ice Cream Flag Cake. While my cake in the end turned out to be a little sad (thanks to a not so great freezer), Tor and I had a complete blast in the kitchen. Even some of his TV costars came by to cheer me on as I attempted to create a multi-layer cake of ice cream and sorbet.

Ever since then, I have always had a Flag Cake Conquest for July 4th. This year would be no different. The July/August issue of Food Network Magazine (on newsstands now!) features an unexpected component in their traditional flag cake – jello!

I had never created a jello cake before, and I was up for the challenge. It involved creating blue stars made out of jello and layering white gelatin and red gelatin for stripes. It was a very lengthy process, but there was the promise of cake on the other end! Even Renly was curious…
After making the red gelatin, I began the layering process for the cake. To layer the white gelatin on top, it was suggested to use the back of a spoon so you don’t create a dent in the cake.
Next, it was time to carefully place the blue stars inside the cake. You can see how much I was concentrating on this!
Applying the gelatin layers takes the most time since each layer has to refrigerate for about 20 minutes before you apply the next layer. What’s great about this cake for those who are nervous about baking is it’s actually a no-bake cake! No ovens required, just your refrigerator.
Time for the moment of truth and ta da!!!! A successful Flag Cake Conquest!

Pick up the latest issue of Food Network Magazine on newsstands now to attempt your own flag cake conquest! Happy Fourth of July!