Best High-Altitude Birthday Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour the bottoms and sides of the pans, making sure to remove excess flour.

2 . Stage

Beat 1 ¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, until well incorporated.

3 . Stage

Sift together flour, 1 tablespoon plus ¾ teaspoon baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

4 . Stage

Mix milk, vanilla, and almond extract together in a third bowl.

5 . Stage

Alternate adding flour mixture and milk mixture to butter mixture; blend well. Evenly distribute batter between the 2 prepared cake pans.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

7 . Stage

Remove cakes from the oven; let sit for 5 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks before removing cakes from the pans.