Classic Birthday Cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.

Combine sifted flour and baking powder in a bowl; set aside.

Cream butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar; beat until creamy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with milk, beating batter briefly after each addition. Add vanilla and beat until just incorporated. Divide batter equally among the prepared pans.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack. Let cool completely before frosting.