The Perfect Yellow Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 4 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and mix to combine.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low until just incorporated. Add buttermilk and beat on low until combined, then for 3 more minutes on medium until fluffy.
5. Pour batter evenly into the two prepared pans. Place pans in oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. (If making cupcakes, shorten baking time to 15-20 minutes.)
6. Remove cakes from oven and let cool 10 minutes in pans, before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. Frost with your favorite frosting, and enjoy!