Step 1

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to Grease two 9-inch circle cake pans.

Step 2

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 3

Heat the butter and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Stir in the vanilla.

Step 4

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick, about 6 minutes.

Step 5

Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture and milk mixture alternately until just incorporated.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 7

Let cool slightly in the pan, about 10 minutes.

Step 8

Heat the broiler.