Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round baking pans. Set aside.

Step 2

Combine flour, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar and 3/4 cup butter in another bowl at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating at low speed after each addition just until mixed.

Step 4

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Place onto cooling racks; cool 10 minutes. Loosen cake by running knife around inside edge of pans. Carefully remove cake from pans; cool completely.

Step 5

Beat 3/4 cup butter in bowl at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt alternately with whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

Step 6

Place 1 cake layer on serving plate, bottom-side up; frost top. Place remaining cake layer over frosting, bottom-side down; frost top and sides of cake. Decorate as desired.