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
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a cake pan with a light coating of grease and flour.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, then set the dry mixture aside for later use.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and develops a whipped-like texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each egg. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- 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.
- Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool completely within the pan to maintain structural integrity.
- 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