Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, sifted for a lighter texture
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (use the real stuff for best flavor)
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions
1-Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2-Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
3-Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
4-Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla extract until combined.
5-Alternate dry ingredients and milk: On low speed, add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with milk in two additions, starting and ending with dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
6-Fill pans: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula.
7-Bake and cool: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌡️ Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk so the batter emulsifies properly and yields a velvety crumb.
🥄 Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off — never scoop directly from the bag to avoid a dense, dry cake.
❄️ Let the frosted cake rest in the fridge for a few hours before slicing; this allows flavors to meld and makes slicing cleaner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg