An ideal birthday cake recipe, this classic dessert bakes up moist and fluffy. Get a basic vanilla cake recipe and cake decorating ideas here.

This Basic Vanilla Cake recipe is the perfect base for all of you cake-making needs. This recipe makes enough for two layers -- just top with your favorite frosting.

We love the light texture that cake flour gives baked goods, but we didn't want you to buy a whole box of it. So we used a cheat—all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch.

Assemble the cake: Put 1 cake layer on a platter; spread 1 cup frosting on top. Top with the second cake layer, then cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with sprinkles.

Whisk the milk, vanilla and eggs together in a liquid measuring cup. With the processor running, pour in the wet ingredients and process to make a smooth batter (this takes less than a minute).

Beat in 3 room-temperature eggs one at a time, then 1 tablespoon vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture in three batches on low speed, alternating with 1 1/4 cups buttermilk.

Increase the mixer speed to medium high, add the vanilla and beat until creamy, 3 minutes. Beat in the milk until fluffy, about 1 minute. Spread the frosting on the cupcakes. Decorate as desired.

We created the perfect vanilla cake — it tastes great on it's own, but added flavors and mix-ins make it a great recipe to build upon and customize.

Food Network Kitchen's moist and fluffy vanilla cupcake recipe will become a go-to for all of your big-batch dessert needs.

Combine the milk, vinegar and vanilla in a small bowl. Beat the butter, oil and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, 5 to 7 minutes.