Classic Birthday Cake

So, here's my first real attempt at cake decorating. Ganache I can do, but frosting can be tricky. The whole idea of making something look presentable with frosting is even trickier. This cake looks plain, but don't let it fool you. It is exceedingly rich, and while it isn't chocolate, it still has taste. Cake mixes may be cheap and tasty, but give the good, old-fashioned, homemade cake a try.
Classic Birthday Cake
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup buttermilk

Grease two 8- or 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan with butter and dust with flour. In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat butter until smooth. Slowly add the sugar to the butter and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, until just blended. Add the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, ending with the flour mixture. Pour into pans and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes and then remove from pans to cool completely.

Vanilla Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt

Beat ingredients together. Add food coloring if desired. Frost cake.