Making a cake can be a fun and rewarding process! Here's a basic recipe for a classic vanilla cake:

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Divide batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost (optional): If desired, frost the cooled cake with a mixture of softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Use room temperature ingredients for best results.

Don't overmix the batter.

Let the cake cool completely before frosting and serving.

Add flavorings like cocoa powder, nuts, or fruit to the batter.

Use different types of milk or flavorings in the frosting.