Fourth of July Smash Cake

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
6. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer, repeating the frosting process. Top with the third layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
11. Use the sliced strawberries and blueberries to create a festive red, white, and blue design on top of the cake. Add sprinkles for an extra pop of color.