Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 9 x 13-inch cake pan by spraying with cooking spray, or greasing and flouring.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer at medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

Step 3

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, about 30 seconds each.

Step 4

Add remaining ingredients. Beat 30 seconds at low speed to combine; continue to beat at medium high speed for 3 minutes. Batter should be light colored, smooth, and somewhat fluffy.

Step 5

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean. Baking time will vary depending on type of cake pan used.

Step 6

Cool completely before frosting.

Step 7

In a large bowl, with electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy, 2 minutes.

Step 8

If frosting seems too thick, beat in additional milk, ½ teaspoon at a time. If frosting is too thin, add powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time.

Step 9

Frost completely cooled cake. Frosted cake should be refrigerated.

Step 10

Note: For 9 x13 inch cake, a half batch of frosting is usually enough, unless you like a lot of frosting.