Classic Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

1. Bake the Cakes:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
• Add heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top.
• Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining buttercream.
• Decorate as desired!

1. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and enjoy the cake! It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.

Feel free to adjust any ingredients or instructions based on your mom’s version. Enjoy recreating the dessert that everyone loved! If you need a different type of recipe or more specific ingredients, let me know!