Golden Cake with Vanilla Frosting

In my mind, a sweet, classic, simple Yellow Cake with Vanilla Frosting is the perfect dessert to a Easter Dinner.  Thanks to Rachael Ray Magazine, we have one for you to day!  I've made this once before and cannot wait to try it again.  I apologize for the "half cake" final product, it was almost gone before I realized I hadn't photographed it!

Happy Easter!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Pesonal Photo

Personal Photo

2 3/4 cups flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups whole milk

Vanilla Frosting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in three parts, mixing until just incorporated.

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the pans to a rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the pans to release the cakes and invert; let cool completely.

Slice the cakes into 2 layers each. Stack and frost with the vanilla frosting.

FROSTING

2 1/2 sticks (10 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

5 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 - 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Add the vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat at high speed until fluffy, adding an additional 1 tablespoon milk if necessary.