Easy Buttercream Cake

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
   • Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
   • If the frosting is too thick, add more milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for 15-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
   • Once the crumb coat is set, apply a thicker layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula or cake scraper.
   • Decorate the cake as desired with additional frosting, sprinkles, or other decorations.
4. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and baking results.
• To achieve a smooth and even frosting layer, use a cake turntable and an offset spatula.
• For a fun twist, add food coloring to the frosting to create a colorful cake.

Nutritional Benefits:

• While this cake is a treat, using high-quality ingredients like real butter and whole milk can enhance the flavor and texture.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Conclusion:

This Easy Buttercream Cake is a classic dessert that’s sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. With its moist, tender cake layers and rich, creamy buttercream frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet indulgence. Follow this simple recipe to create a beautiful and delicious cake that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy every slice of this delightful homemade treat!