Classic Birthday Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp

baking powder

3/4 tsp

salt

3/4 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

large eggs (room temperature)

2 tsp

clear vanilla extract (*)

1 cup

whole milk (room temperature)

1 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

3 1/2 cups

powdered sugar (sifted)

1/2 cup

Dutch-processed cocoa powder (sifted)

6 oz

good quality semi-sweet chocolate (chopped, melted, cooled)

2 tbsp

whole milk (room temperature)

birthday sprinkles