Classic Butter Cake

Ingredients

• 
  Butter (room temperature) 1/2 cup
• 
  Sugar 1 cup
• 
  Eggs 2
• 
  All-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups
• 
  Baking powder 1 1/2 tsp
• 
  Milk 1/2 cup
• 
  Vanilla extract 1 tsp
• 
  Salt 1 pinch

Method

1. 1

   Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   Beat the room-temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture turns pale, almost white, and fluffy.

2. 2

   Add the Eggs:
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one so the batter stays smooth.

3. 3

   Sift the Dry Ingredients:
   Mix the flour and baking powder, then sift them together well to remove lumps and add air.

4. 4

   Alternate Flour and Milk:
   Add a little flour and mix gently, then a little milk and mix gently. Repeat about three times, ending with flour, and mix only until just combined.

5. 5

   Flavor the Batter:
   Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then mix briefly to combine.

6. 6

   Bake:
   Pour the batter into a lined baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes.

7. 7

   Test for Doneness:
   Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Take it out as soon as it is just done; over-baking dries it out.