Smith Island Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

Cream 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, ~3 minutes.

Step 3

Add 4 eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated.

Step 4

Whisk 2 cups flour and 2 tsp baking powder. Add to butter mixture alternately with 0.75 cup milk, starting and ending with flour.

Step 5

Stir in 2 tsp vanilla. Divide batter between the two pans and smooth the tops.

Step 6

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8

Slice each cooled cake layer horizontally into two thin layers using a long serrated knife.

Step 9

Make frosting: beat 1 cup softened butter with 4 cups powdered sugar and 2 tsp vanilla until smooth.

Step 10

Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting between each layer, building up the stack.

Step 11

Frost the top and sides of the assembled cake with remaining frosting until completely covered.

Step 12

Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing. The frosting will set and flavors will meld.