Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Mix in the vanilla extract until everything is just combined.

For variations on flavor, consider adding almond extract or citrus zest.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pans.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Once the cakes are completely cool, smooth a layer of icing over the top of one cake layer.

Gently place the second layer on top and spread icing over the whole cake, smoothing it out.

For decoration, consider applying different colors of icing or use fondant to create flowers and shapes.