📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for easy removal. Don't skip this step, nobody wants a stuck cake!
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should look pale and airy.
3. Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps prevent the batter from curdling.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. It's okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale for precision if you have one.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from sticking and breaking.
9. While the cakes are cooling, make the buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the desired consistency. The buttercream should be smooth and spreadable.
11. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if necessary. This ensures the cake is even and stable.
13. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting over the top.
14. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting.
15. Decorate the cake with game night themed decorations. Use fondant to create dice, cards, or meeples. You can also use edible markers to draw designs directly onto the frosting. Get creative and have fun!
16. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
17. Slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Game Night Birthday Cake!