Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, cream the melted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans or fill your cupcake liners two-thirds full.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes for round cakes or 18-20 minutes for cupcakes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 9: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Once cool, frost with desired frosting.