Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When baking an 8-inch cake, it's important to keep a close eye on the oven to guarantee the cake doesn't overbake. Additionally, be sure to allow the cake to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan or frost it.
With a little bit of care and attention, you'll be able to create a delicious and visually stunning 8-inch cake that will be the centerpiece of your next celebration.