Butter Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Butter Cake Recipe: Golden Sweetness in Every Bite

Crafting a delightful butter cake becomes an adventure of pure culinary magic that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Sweet memories dance through generations of baking traditions.

Soft, golden crumbs promise comfort and warmth with each slice.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently create this classic dessert.

Simple ingredients blend into a miraculous transformation that delights the senses.

Rich, velvety textures invite you to savor each tender morsel.

Whip up this irresistible treat and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

FAQs

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

  • How do I know if I've creamed the butter and sugar correctly?

The mixture should look light, fluffy, and pale yellow, with a smooth and creamy texture that has increased in volume.

  • Why is it important to add eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs gradually helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, preventing curdling and ensuring a more uniform, stable cake mixture.

  • What if my batter looks curdled or separated?

Don’t worry. Continue mixing, and it will come together. If it doesn’t, your eggs might have been too cold, so let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing.

Butter Cake: What Makes It Great

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  • Master Gourmet Cooking: Learn a simple yet impressive technique of creating a rich, creamy bisque that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it.
  • Quick Comfort in a Bowl: Prepare a warming, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Craft an elegant seafood dish perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you want to elevate your home cooking game.

Ingredients Needed For Butter Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A soft and fine flour that provides the essential structure for the cake.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
For the Richness and Flavor:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds a deep, smooth flavor to the cake.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
For the Moisture and Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps create a smooth, soft texture.

Step-By-Step Butter Cake Directions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Grab a cake pan and coat it thoroughly with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes incredibly soft, light, and fluffy.

The texture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Egg Magic

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time.

After each egg, beat thoroughly to ensure complete integration. Pour in vanilla extract and mix gently.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, mixing carefully to maintain a silky smooth consistency.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring a smooth top surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, remove and serve as is or add your favorite frosting for extra deliciousness.

Tips For Butter Cake

  • Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, tender cake texture.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better incorporation and a more even crumb.
  • Check cake doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.
  • Add a splash of buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra richness and tanginess.
  • Wrap cake in plastic wrap after cooling to keep it moist and fresh for several days.

Creative Twists For Butter Cake

  • Lemon Zest Butter Cake: Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the classic butter cake.
  • Chocolate Marble Butter Cake: Swirl melted chocolate into half the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns and a rich chocolate undertone.
  • Nutty Crunch Butter Cake: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top for added texture and nutty depth.
  • Spiced Butter Cake: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to create a warm, aromatic version of the traditional butter cake.

Serving Suggestions For Butter Cake

  • Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Slice the butter cake into thin, delicate pieces. Pair with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve warm butter cake alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra indulgent breakfast treat.
  • Classic Dessert Upgrade: Create a simple glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice. Pour over the cooled cake, then garnish with toasted almond slivers for a sophisticated presentation that enhances the cake's rich flavor.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Cut cake into squares, then sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two slices for a decadent summer dessert that combines warm and cold textures.

Storage Tips For Butter Cake

  • Store cooled butter cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Slice the cake and place individual pieces in freezer-safe containers or wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Keep the cake covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness.
  • If adding frosting, refrigerate the cake immediately and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
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Butter Cake Recipe

Butter Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Buttery layers of this classic butter cake elevate comfort desserts to new heights. Sweet crumbs melt on palates, promising rich flavors that connect home bakers with cherished culinary traditions you can savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a cake pan with a light coating of grease and flour.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, then set the dry mixture aside for later use.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and develops a whipped-like texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each egg. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  8. Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool completely within the pan to maintain structural integrity.
  9. Once cooled, carefully remove from pan and serve as a simple dessert or dress up with optional frosting or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter, ensuring a tender cake texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense cake by mixing just until ingredients are combined.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, adding a touch of xanthan gum for better structure.
  • Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a splash of bourbon to create interesting variations on the classic butter cake.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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