Creating your own Crème Brûlée Cake is a rewarding experience! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Prepare for Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make the Custard: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until warm. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and the remaining granulated sugar until combined. Gradually whisk in the warm cream.
10. Layering: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Pour a portion of the custard mixture over this layer. Add the second cake layer on top, then pour the remaining custard mixture over the top layer.
11. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the custard to set.
12. Caramelize the Top: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar evenly over the top of the cake. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. Alternatively, you can place the cake under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

These detailed steps will guide you effortlessly through the process of making this extraordinary cake.