1-First Step: Prepare the pan and oven Start by greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. This keeps the cake from sticking and makes it easier to lift clean slices out later. Set your oven to 350°F so it is fully heated when the batter is ready.

2-Second Step: Beat the wet ingredients In a large mixing bowl, beat 5 eggs, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract for about 2 minutes. The mixture should look lighter and a little fluffy. Next, add 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil and mix until it is fully combined. The oil helps make Cortadillo rich and tender.

3-Third Step: Mix the dry ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Sifting helps break up any lumps and gives the cake a smoother texture. If you are baking for someone who prefers a lighter crumb, this step matters even more.

4-Fourth Step: Bring the batter together Add half of the flour mixture and half of the 1 1/4 cups whole milk to the egg mixture. Mix gently, then add the rest of the flour mixture and the remaining milk. Stir until the batter is smooth, but do not overmix. Overmixing can make the cake tougher than it should be.

5-Fifth Step: Bake the cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F. The cake is ready when it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If your oven runs hot, start checking at the 40-minute mark.

6-Sixth Step: Cool completely Let the cake cool fully before you add the icing. This is very important because warm cake can melt the frosting and make it slide off the top. A cooled cake gives you a neater finish and a better texture overall.

7-Seventh Step: Make the pink icing In a bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar with 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Add 3 1/2 tablespoons whole milk one tablespoon at a time until the icing is thick but spreadable. Then stir in 5 drops pink gel food coloring until you get the shade you want. Gel coloring works best because it gives a bright pink tone without thinning the icing too much.

8-Eighth Step: Frost and decorate Spread the icing over the cooled cake using a spoon or spatula. Add sprinkles while the icing is still soft so they stick well. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes so the topping can harden slightly. Then cut it into triangles for a traditional look or into squares for easy serving.