Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk (for a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk)
Optional: Food colouring for fun colours (gel-based food colouring works best)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper) for a layer cake, or use a 9×13-inch rectangular pan for a sheet cake.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed or fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

If you want to add food coloring, divide the batter into separate bowls and add a few drops of gel-based food coloring to each bowl. Mix until you achieve your desired colors.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes for round cake pans, or 30-35 minutes for a rectangular pan. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cakes are cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or ganache. Decorate the cake as you wish with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or other toppings.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla cake