Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful dot cake recipe doesn't stick.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for an airy dot cake recipe.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter for this dot cake recipe.
Step 6: Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of colorful jimmie sprinkles into the cake batter. This is where the 'dot' magic begins for your dot cake recipe!
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here leads to a perfect dot cake recipe.
Step 8: While the cakes cool, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with milk/cream and vanilla extract, until smooth and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 9: Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1/3 of the frosting evenly over the top.
Step 10: Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides and top. For the final flourish, generously scatter additional sprinkles all over your glorious dot cake recipe. Slice and enjoy!