Recipes

America’s Birthday Cake

Carolina Country style

Serves: 2 cakes

What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than with juicy red North Carolina-grown watermelon? Make our Watermelon Cake your centerpiece with extra wedges piled all around for a crowd!

Ingredients

2 large seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into 2–3-inch-thick slices
1 quart heavy whipping cream
2 (8-ounce) containers mascarpone cheese, softened
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons each vanilla and almond extracts
Assorted chilled seasonal fruits (we used berries, cherries, kiwi, dragon fruit, oranges and pineapple stars)
Mint and rosemary
Candies, pretzels, sprinkles, etc.
Wood skewers

Directions

  1. Place watermelon slices on a paper towel-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and absorb excess moisture.

  2. Beat whipping cream to soft peaks. Add mascarpone, sugars and extracts; continue beating until light and fluffy.

  3. Dab excess moisture from melon with paper towels. Spread a layer of filling onto a platter or cake stand to anchor the base. Stack watermelon slices slightly offset, spreading filling between layers and on top. Stabilize with skewers.

  4. Decorate with fruit, herbs, candies, pretzels and sprinkles however you like. Let children join in the fun — every cake can be uniquely patriotic and party-ready for the Fourth of July or any summer celebration!

Recipe Courtesy of

Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry is a home economist, blogger and NC food artisan. (WendyPerry.com)