Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans, or 35-40 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Once cooled, the cake can be frosted with your favorite icing, dusted with powdered sugar, or enjoyed plain.