Fresh Berry Patriotic Cake in 1 Hour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternately add the flour, baking powder, and salt with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
7. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low speed, then increase to medium-high until stiff peaks form.
9. Spread a thick, even layer of frosting over the cooled cake.
10. Arrange blueberries in a tight rectangle in the top-left corner to create the blue field.
11. Create alternating horizontal rows of sliced strawberries and frosting to create the red stripes.
12. Optional: Glaze berries with melted apricot jam for shine. Chill for 2 hours before slicing.