Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting or serving.