vanilla cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and eggs. Beat until combined.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the milk, beating until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

• For a more moist cake, substitute buttermilk for the milk.
• Cool cake completely in the pan before frosting.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Using a stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, but a hand mixer will also work.