Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the pure vanilla extract.
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.