Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced thin
  • 0.25 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13x9 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until pale, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
  3. Alternately add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and milk until the batter is smooth.
  4. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.
  5. Let the cake cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
  6. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until completely blended and smooth.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip on high for 2 minutes until airy.
  8. Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula.
  9. Place blueberries in a tight rectangle in the top-left corner to create the Union.
  10. Lay sliced strawberries in horizontal rows, alternating with strips of white frosting to create stripes.
  11. Gently brush the berries with apricot jam for a professional high-gloss finish.