Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it reaches the right temperature before you put your cake in this ensures even baking and a perfect rise.

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. If you want to make it even easier, you can line the pans with parchment paper. This will help the cake slide out smoothly once baked.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps ensure there are no lumps and creates a smooth batter.

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). This will help your cake become light and airy.

Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated. Then, stir in 2 tsp of vanilla extract, adding a lovely, sweet flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking at 25 minutes.

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp of heavy cream. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream for a thinner frosting or more sugar for a thicker one.

Place one layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with frosting. Smooth the edges and top for a neat finish.

Now, for the fun part decorating! You can add food coloring to your frosting to match the theme of your baby shower, or you can pipe a simple border or design around the cake. For a professional touch, consider adding edible flowers, sprinkles, or other fun baby-themed decorations.

For a unique touch, try a naked cake look. Frost only the top and the center, leaving the sides exposed. It’s a trendy, rustic style that’s easy to create and still looks stunning.