Preheat and Prepare – Heat oven to 350 degrees and prepare the cake pans. You can use a 10 x 2 pan or two 8 x 2 round cake pans. Add parchment paper and butter to the bottom, and add a little flour for easy removal. You can also prepare the ingredients.
Sift—Using a sieve or a sifter, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. If you don’t have a way to sift, simply add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and gently whisk them together using a fork. This will incorporate air and lighten the ingredients.
Combine – In a liquid measuring cup combine the buttermilk, vanilla and oil.
Beat – In a mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar n medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This will take about 3 minutes.
Eggs - Gradually beat one egg at a time.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients – Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 parts. Beat until smooth and scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl.
Bake—Depending on the pan, this cake will bake for 25 – 35 minutes. The 10 x 2 will take about 25 minutes, and the two rounds will take 30-35 minutes.
Cool - Let the cake cool while you make the frosting,