Creating the beautiful Red White and Blue Cake can be simple if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until fully combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Separate Batter: Split the batter into three bowls. Leave one bowl as is, dye the second bowl red, and the third bowl blue.
6. Bake Layers: Pour each color batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Layers: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add heavy whipping cream and beat until light and fluffy.
9. Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one red layer on a platter. Spread frosting generously over the top.
10. Add Blue Layer: Place the white layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Top with the blue layer.
11. Frost Entire Cake: Frost the entire cake with remaining frosting, smoothing out generously.
12. Decorate: Optionally, decorate the top with sprinkles for an added festive touch.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning Red White and Blue Cake ready for your celebration!