Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth, with no lumps.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

2️⃣ Make the Chocolate Frosting:

8. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
9. Add cocoa powder and beat until fully combined.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud, then increasing to medium-high until fluffy.
11. Add cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
12. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake: