Basic Vanilla Cake 2

1. 1

   Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and dust with flour.

2. 2

   Put the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl of a food processor.

3. 3

   Add the sugar and pulse a few times to combine evenly.

4. 4

   Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the dry ingredients.

5. 5

   Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand, with some pea-size bits of butter, about 5 times.

6. 6

   Whisk the milk, vanilla and eggs together in a liquid measuring cup.

7. 7

   With the processor running, pour in the wet ingredients and process to make a smooth batter (this takes less than a minute).

8. 8

   Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick or small skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

9. 9

   Cool the cakes on a rack for 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Then run a knife around the edges of the pans and turn the cakes out onto a plate.

11. 11

    Flip the cakes upright and cool completely on the rack, about 45 minutes.

12. 12

    (This is important-icing a warm cake is not a happy thing.)

No additional tips available.