An ideal birthday cake recipe, this classic dessert bakes up moist and fluffy. Get a basic vanilla cake recipe and cake decorating ideas here.

This Basic Vanilla Cake recipe is the perfect base for all of you cake-making needs. This recipe makes enough for two layers -- just top with your favorite frosting.

For the cake: Basic Vanilla Cake, recipe follows, baked and cooled Sprinkles, for decorating Basic Vanilla Cake: 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans

Whisk the milk, vanilla and eggs together in a liquid measuring cup. With the processor running, pour in the wet ingredients and process to make a smooth batter (this takes less than a minute).

Beat in 3 room-temperature eggs one at a time, then 1 tablespoon vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture in three batches on low speed, alternating with 1 1/4 cups buttermilk.

Cornstarch blocks the formation of gluten in the flour and makes the cake airy and tender. We also added 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, an old baker's trick, to ensure that the cake stays moist.

We created the perfect vanilla cake — it tastes great on it's own, but added flavors and mix-ins make it a great recipe to build upon and customize.

Deselect All Cake: 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla ...

One of the best chocolate cake recipes you’ll ever make requires just 10 ingredients. Get Food Network’s easy cocoa cake recipe here.

Reduce the speed to medium-high and drizzle in the butter and vanilla until just combined, about 10 seconds. Reduce the speed to low and add the sifted flour all at once.