Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 6-inch cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking. I like to use Bakers Joy spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cut the room temperature butter into pieces and add to mix. Use an electric mixer to combine the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Next, add the eggs, buttermilk, and mix until well combined. Then add vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and canola oil to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until the batter is smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial for combining all the flavors and creating the perfect texture for your cake.

Divide the batter evenly between your 3 prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 15-20 minutes. Next, carefully remove the cake from the pans by flipping them over. Once cooled, you can frost and decorate the cake as desired. A simple vanilla buttercream pairs beautifully with this cake!