Pakistan’s Independence Day on 14 August is a time of joy, patriotism, and vibrant celebrations. As families and friends gather to honor the nation’s freedom, what better way to add a sweet touch to your 14 August celebrations than with a homemade green and white cake? Inspired by the colors of the Pakistani flag—green symbolizing prosperity and white representing peace—this cake is not only visually striking but also delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply marking the day at home, this Independence Day Pakistan cake recipe will become a highlight of your festivities.
Why a Green and White Cake for Independence Day Pakistan?
The Pakistani flag’s iconic green field with a white stripe, crescent, and star makes green and white the perfect palette for 14 August celebrations. Baking a cake in these colors is a fun, creative way to show national pride. This recipe draws from popular variations like green velvet cake, which offers a subtle chocolate flavor with a vibrant hue, topped with smooth white cream cheese frosting. It’s ideal for cutting and sharing during fireworks, parades, or family dinners, making your Independence Day Pakistan gathering unforgettable.
Ingredients for Your Independence Day Pakistan Cake
To serve 8-10 people, you’ll need the following ingredients. This recipe yields a two-layer 8-inch cake, perfect for 14 August celebrations.
For the Green Velvet Cake:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk (room temperature)
– 2 teaspoons vinegar
– 2 eggs (room temperature)
– 1 cup cooking oil or softened butter
– 1 ½ cups caster sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
– ½ teaspoon green gel food color (adjust for desired shade)
For the White Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 150g softened butter
– 1 ½ cups icing sugar
– 200g cream cheese
– 50g melted white chocolate (optional for extra creaminess)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
For Decoration (Optional for Flag-Inspired Look):
– White star sprinkles or edible pearls
– Cake crumbs (from trimming the cake)
– A small amount of green food color for accents
– Banana jelly or green-tinted gelatin for a glossy top layer (if desired)
These ingredients are readily available in Pakistan and keep the cake true to the green and white theme of Independence Day Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your 14 August Celebrations Cake
Follow these easy steps to create your green and white masterpiece. Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 45-50 minutes | Total time: 2 hours (including cooling).
Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients
Start by making buttermilk for that signature velvet texture. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a tangy base that reacts with the baking soda for a fluffy cake.
In another bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sifting ensures a light, airy batter—key for any Independence Day Pakistan dessert.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs, 1 cup oil (or butter), 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, and 1 ½ cups caster sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the prepared buttermilk and beat well. Now, incorporate the green gel food color, mixing until you achieve a vibrant green shade that evokes the Pakistani flag’s lush green.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Grease two 8-inch cake pans, line with butter paper, and divide the batter evenly. Tap the pans to release air bubbles.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the White Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat 150g softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 ½ cups icing sugar, beating well. Mix in 200g cream cheese, melted white chocolate (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. Beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and spreadable. Refrigerate briefly if needed for firmness.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate for 14 August Celebrations
Trim the tops of the cooled cakes for even layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides completely in white for a clean, patriotic look.
For an Independence Day Pakistan twist, create a flag design: Use cake crumbs or green frosting to outline the white stripe, crescent, and star. Add star sprinkles for sparkle, or pour a thin layer of green banana jelly on one side to mimic the flag’s layout. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Independence Day Pakistan Cake
Achieving Vibrant Colors: Use gel food color for the green batter to avoid altering the texture. For a deeper green, add a touch more, but test a small batch first.
Make It Eggless: Substitute eggs with ½ cup yogurt for a vegetarian version, still perfect for 14 August celebrations.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavors.
Variations: If you prefer a simpler option, use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting and add pineapple chunks for a fruity twist, as seen in some traditional recipes. For a chocolatey base, increase cocoa to 3 tablespoons.
Pro Tip: Bake in a pressure cooker if you don’t have an oven—preheat for 5 minutes and bake on low flame for 45 minutes.
These tips ensure your cake turns out flawless, enhancing your Independence Day Pakistan experience.