Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing, beat 1 cup butter until creamy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and remaining vanilla until desired consistency is reached.

Frost the cooled cake layers with vanilla buttercream icing.

Serve Vanilla Dream Cake sliced into generous pieces. It pairs well with tea or coffee.

Add fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, on the side for a refreshing touch. For extra sweetness, serve with ice cream or whipped cream.