1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—a process that should take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract, and continue to beat until everything is well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and plain flour. This will help to aerate the flours, contributing to a lighter cake texture.
5. Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Pour into the Cake Pan
