Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieving a soft, tender crumb in the cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The batter may look slightly curdled, but this is normal at this stage.

Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then beat on low speed until fully combined.

Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top using an offset spatula. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy the moist yellow cake with its rich chocolate frosting—a perfect combination of flavors and textures!