MAGNOLIA BAKERY'S VANILLA BIRTHDAY CAKE AND FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Grease and lightly flour three 9 inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with waxed paper.
• In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth.
• Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Combine the flours and add in four parts, alternating with the milk and the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
• Divide batter among the cake pans.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
• Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack.
• If you're making cupcakes, line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
• Spoon the batter into the cups about three-quarters full.
• Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched, about 20 to 22 minutes.
• Remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on a rack before icing.
• When cake has cooled, ice between the layers, then ice top and sides of cake.
• To make the icing - place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
• Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla.
• Beat until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency (you may very well not need all of the sugar).
• If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly.
• Use and store icing at room temperature, as icing will set if chilled.
• Can store in an airtight container for up to three days.