This is a great basic yellow cake recipe. We use it anytime we are looking to make a white cake.

2 sticks, or 1 cup, butter
2 cups sugar
5 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 milk, 1/2 plain yogurt)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 cups cake flour (or 2 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons flour AND 6 tablespoons cornstarch)

Preheat oven to 350F.

We use a stand-alone mixer. Beat butter. Add sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla, then buttermilk. Add salt, then baking powder. Gradually add flour. Mix until just blended.

Pour into 2 8" round pans and bake anywhere between 35 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.