Traditional American Flag Cake: Baked

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
3. Gradually beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is well combined after each addition.
4. Alternate adding the flour, baking powder, and salt with the buttermilk, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
7. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
8. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, then spread evenly over the cooled cake.
10. Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 2 hours to set the frosting skin.
11. Arrange blueberries in the top-left corner to form the union and arrange sliced strawberries and raspberries in alternating red and white stripes across the rest of the cake.