Deliciously Fluffy and Creamy Vanilla Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 g) cake flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half, divided
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing pans
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed (or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), beat the granulated sugar and butter until doubled in volume, about 3 minutes. Add the oil and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy, white, and smooth, about 5 minutes.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour and baking powder until well combined (about 1 minute, eliminating the need for sifting). Gradually add half of the dry ingredients and 3/4 cup of half-and-half to the batter, mixing on medium-low speed until just moistened; some lumps are okay. Then add the vanilla paste, remaining dry ingredients, salt, and remaining 3/4 cup of half-and-half, beating just until combined; the batter may still have some lumps.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, typically 40 to 45 minutes.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cooled, trim the edges of the cakes with a serrated knife to level them, if desired. Spread half of the frosting onto one cake layer using a spatula.
8. Place the second cake layer on top, then ice the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Optionally, decorate with flowers on top.

Enjoy your irresistibly fluffy and creamy vanilla cake!