Gather butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and milk for this simple yet decadent cake.
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla until smooth.
Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk ensures a smooth batter that incorporates evenly for a perfect texture.
Preheat your oven properly and bake the cake at a moderate temperature to achieve even baking and a golden crust.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for freshness.
Enjoy plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Experiment with lemon zest, almond extract, or adding chocolate chips or nuts for different flavors.