Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups milk, room temperature
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and butter
In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition
Mix in vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans
Bake for 32-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Cool layers completely on wire racks before frosting and assembling
Notes
Room temperature eggs and butter ensure smooth emulsification
Use high-quality vanilla extract for pronounced flavor
Check baking powder freshness for optimal rise
Allow layers to cool completely before stacking to avoid melting frosting
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Classic American Cake Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 268
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg