America is turning 250, and Betty Crocker is bringing the cake.
As America’s 250th birthday approaches, plenty of companies are finding ways to join the celebration. From America-shaped pasta and patriotic cereal boxes to limited-edition creamers and commemorative packaging, the limited-edition grocery finds are as star-spangled as you’d expect. But Betty Crocker chose the most Betty Crocker way possible to celebrate: with cake.
To mark America’s upcoming birthday this summer, the baking brand is giving away up to one million free cakes. The promotion comes with a side of birthday cake trivia, too. Betty Crocker recently surveyed 5,000 Americans about their cake preferences and discovered that, despite everything else we disagree on, we’re surprisingly aligned when it comes to dessert.
What is America’s ideal birthday cake?
Before launching the giveaway, Betty Crocker surveyed Americans nationwide about their birthday traditions. The results suggest that cake remains one of the few birthday essentials Americans can agree on. Of those who responded, 76% said it doesn’t feel like a birthday without cake, and 51% said it’s the dessert they want at a birthday celebration.
Homemade cake still holds a special place, too, with 39% of Americans saying they prefer a homemade birthday cake, compared with 28% who favor a bakery cake and 11% who would choose one from a grocery store.
As for flavor, chocolate dominated the map. It was the favorite birthday cake flavor in 49 states, and earned 30% of the vote nationwide. Kentucky stood alone in choosing red velvet.
The survey also settled a few other important cake debates. Cream cheese ranked as America’s favorite frosting flavor, and 50% of respondents said the best slice is the corner piece with two frosting edges. Nearly half said cake is best topped with frosting and nothing else.
The findings help explain why Betty Crocker chose cake as the centerpiece for America’s 250th celebration. According to the survey, 36% of Americans said sharing cake with others is one of the most important parts of having one in the first place.
How to Get a Free Betty Crocker Cake
Starting June 18, shoppers who purchase certain Betty Crocker cake mixes can apply for a reimbursement of up to $3.99. To claim the rebate, buy an eligible cake mix, then visit AmericasBirthday.BettyCrocker.com and upload a photo of your receipt.
The promotion applies to qualifying cake mix purchases made between June 18 and July 11, 2026. Receipts must be submitted by July 25, and reimbursement will be provided through PayPal or Venmo. The offer is limited to one rebate per person while supplies last.
There are a few restrictions. The promotion isn’t available in Rhode Island, Connecticut, North Dakota, North Carolina and Miami-Dade County.
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