I was worried my aunts’ baking secret was lost, but luckily, I found it, and it’s more delicious than ever!

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#### **Instructions**:

1. **Preheat and Prepare**:
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a **9-inch round or loaf pan**.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
In a large bowl, beat the **butter** and **sugar** together until light and fluffy—this takes about **3–4 minutes** and gives the cake its soft, rich texture.

3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**:
Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the **vanilla extract**.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the **milk**, beginning and ending with the flour.

5. **Bake**:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for **45–50 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.

6. **Cool and Dust**:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cool, dust with **powdered sugar** if desired.

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### What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn’t a flashy dessert, but it’s **comfort in cake form**. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like family, like warm kitchens, like laughter echoing off the walls during holidays. The **vanilla is pronounced**, the **texture is just right**, and the **nostalgia**? That’s the secret ingredient.

And what amazed me most? Even after all these years, it didn’t need updating. No fancy twists. No modern substitutes. Just simple, honest baking—exactly how Aunt Mary would have done it.

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### Tips for Making It Even More Memorable

– **Add a citrus twist**: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
– **Serve it warm** with whipped cream and fresh berries.
– **Use high-quality vanilla**—it makes a big difference in such a simple cake.
– **Double the recipe** and freeze one for later—yes, it freezes beautifully!

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### Final Thoughts

I thought I had lost this recipe forever. But rediscovering it reminded me how powerful food memories can be. With just a few ingredients and some love, this cake brings back a whole world of family gatherings and warm hugs.

So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s timeless, foolproof, and full of heart, give this one a try. And who knows—maybe it’ll become **your family’s new favorite** too.

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Do you have a long-lost family recipe you’ve rediscovered—or one you’re still hoping to find? I’d love to hear your story!