4 eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (7 ounces) cake flour
1 1/2 cups (10 ounces) sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 8- or 9-inch round cake pans, or 4 6-inch round cake pans; set aside.

Combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl and whisk until mixed; set aside.

In a large bowl, or the bowl of a standing mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add the butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the mixture looks sandy. Add about half of the egg mixture, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase to medium high speed and beat until light and fluffy. Return the speed to low and add the remaining egg mixture. Again, mix until just incorporated, then increase speed to medium high and beat until thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter, adding color if desired, between the prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool before frosting.

Wonderful paired with Cream Cheese Frosting