Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk alternately, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir until just combined.

Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Decorate: Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost and decorate as desired.