Ultimate Basic Birthday Yellow Cake (3 - Layer)

Originally from the post of BettyR at cheftalk.com (FINALLY!!!!!! That perfect homemade yellow cake). I posted here for safe keeping and checking on nutritional values. This recipe makes a 3-layer cake (9x1 1/2 inch pans). I also scaled down the recipe for a cake using only 1 egg.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 1 3-layer cake

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour (do not sift the flour)
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄4 cups milk
• 4  teaspoons  vegetable oil
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3  large eggs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cut wax paper to fit the bottom of (3) 9 x 1 1/2-inch round pans. Spray the pans with cooking spray, place the wax paper in the pans and spray the paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt, mixing well.
4. Measure the 1-1/4 cups of milk in a 2 cup measuring cup then add enough vegetable oil to bring the liquid up to 1-1/3 cups. (I did the math and figured out it is 1-1/4 cups milk + 4 teaspoons vegetable oil).
5. Add the milk/vegetable oil mixture, butter and vanilla to the flour mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium to medium-high speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
6. Add the eggs and continue beating an additional 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pans.
7. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near center of cake comes out clean, or until cake springs back when touched lightly in the center.
8. Cool cakes on wire racks for 15 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely.
9. Frost as desired.