Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease and flour a cake pan
In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar
Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches
Pour in 1/2 cup milk and mix until smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared pan
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes
Check doneness with a toothpick
Let the cake cool before removing from the pan
Frost or serve as desired