Heavenly Vanilla Layer Cake

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar (1½ cups) until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3Add the eggs (3 large) one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).

4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (2½ teaspoons), and salt (½ teaspoon).

5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

6Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

7Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

9While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream (1 cup), powdered sugar (2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) until soft peaks form.

10Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top, then place the second layer on top of the first.

11Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with fresh berries on top and around the sides as desired.

12Slice and serve your Heavenly Vanilla Layer Cake! Enjoy!