Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting 🎂🍰

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour – 2½ cups (315 g)
• Baking powder – 2½ teaspoons (12 g)
• Salt – ½ teaspoon (3 g)
• Unsalted butter (soft) – 1 cup (226 g)
• Granulated sugar – 2 cups (400 g)
• Eggs – 4 large
• Milk – 1 cup (240 ml)
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons (10 ml)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (soft) – 1½ cups (340 g)
• Powdered sugar – 4½ cups (540 g)
• Milk or whipping cream – 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml)
• Vanilla extract – 1½ teaspoons (7 ml)
• Salt – a pinch

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans:
   • Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
   • Grease two round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
   • Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until smooth and well combined.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
   • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cakes are lightly golden.
   • Allow the cakes to cool briefly in the pans before turning them out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely.
5. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
   • Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy and pale.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, salt, and milk a little at a time, until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
6. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread an even layer of buttercream frosting on top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake smoothly.
7. Chill and Slice:
   • Chill the cake slightly before slicing to ensure clean, neat layers.

Enjoy Your Classic Vanilla Layer Cake! 🍰✨

This simple yet elegant cake is perfect for any occasion and is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with its light, fluffy layers and creamy frosting.