1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
