Yellow Layer Cake With Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Every home baker needs this classic recipe for yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting at hand; it's the perfect cake for a birthday or special celebration—or just to have sitting on the kitchen counter when that need for sweets shows up.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk

• 3/4 cup butter unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup whole or low-fat milk (more if needed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract