Ingredients: Prepare 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost the cakes as desired.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. This vanilla cake stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several days or for special occasions. Enjoy!