Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.