Easy for JULY | Cakes, Cupcakes and More Yummy Dessert by So Yummy
Easy homemade July cakes and cupcakes recipe with wholesome ingredients. Perfect summer dessert with patriotic decorations for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and blue gel food coloring
- Fresh berries for garnish
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then lightly grease the sides.
- 2
Sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 3
Whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate medium bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold gently with a spatula until just combined, about 10-12 folds to avoid overmixing.
- 5
Stir in the hot brewed coffee gradually, allowing the batter to thin to a pourable consistency, approximately 30 seconds of gentle stirring.
- 6
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the surfaces with an offset spatula.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs.
- 8
Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in their pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely, about 45 minutes.
- 9
Beat the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl over medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- 10
Add the powdered sugar gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition for 1-2 minutes until incorporated.
- 11
Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating for another 2 minutes until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- 12
Divide the frosting into three portions and tint one portion light red and another light blue using gel food coloring, leaving one portion white.
- 13
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a 1/2-inch layer of white frosting on top using a spatula.
- 14
Top with the second cake layer and apply a crumb coat of frosting over the entire exterior, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- 15
Apply the final frosting layer in decorative swirls using the colored frostings, creating a patriotic theme with red, white, and blue sections.
- 16
Garnish the top with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings, then refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 2 hours.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| all-purpose flour | whole wheat pastry flour mixed with all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio) | Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining a tender crumb texture |
| granulated sugar | coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener blend (reduce by 10%) | Lower glycemic index and reduced refined sugar content |
| vegetable oil | coconut oil or avocado oil | Provides healthier fat profile with anti-inflammatory properties |
| unsalted butter in frosting | Greek yogurt-based frosting (3/4 cup butter + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt) | Reduces saturated fat and adds probiotics for gut health |
| powdered sugar | erythritol or allulose sweetener (same quantity) | Zero glycemic impact and no blood sugar spike |
| heavy cream | full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream | Plant-based alternative with beneficial fats and lower inflammatory markers |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12)
| Calories | 345 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 38mg |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 7g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
