My Grandma Used to Make a Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional (for a homestyle touch):

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 1 cup chopped nuts or raisins
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in vanilla extract and optional zest, nuts, or raisins if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream, or frost as desired.

Let me know if she added anything like apples, jam, or cream layers—I can update it to match!