Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Cream Sugar and Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until smooth and well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, and add a pinch of salt if desired.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Add Milk: Finally, stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, 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 it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple vanilla buttercream frosting or a glaze if desired.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Cream Butter: Beat the butter until creamy with a mixer.
Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk/cream and beat until smooth and spreadable.
Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting on the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your freshly baked vanilla cake!