Fluffy Butter Cake Recipe: Golden Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Creamy, rich butter cake has been my go-to dessert for decades.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each slice I bake.

Sweet aromas drift through the house, promising pure comfort and joy.

Soft, tender crumbs melt effortlessly on your tongue with delightful simplicity.

Classic ingredients combine in a magical dance of culinary perfection.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this heavenly treat.

Serving Inspirations to Make Butter Cake a Centerpiece Dessert

• Classic Tea Party Companion: Slice the butter cake into elegant triangles and serve alongside delicate porcelain teacups filled with Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a refined afternoon treat.
• Breakfast Delight: Toast a slice lightly and spread with fresh strawberry jam or honey, creating a warm and comforting morning meal that pairs perfectly with coffee or fresh orange juice.
• Dessert Decadence: Top warm cake slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce, transforming the simple butter cake into an indulgent after-dinner dessert that will impress family and guests.
• Celebration Centerpiece: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries, making it an elegant centerpiece for birthdays, bridal showers, or weekend gatherings that everyone will adore.

How to Store Butter Cake to Preserve Its Freshness and Moisture

• Store leftover butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain its soft texture and freshness.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 5-7 days, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual slices or the whole cake by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Reheat refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore its original moisture and softness.

FAQs

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

Look for a pale, fluffy texture that has significantly increased in volume and appears light and smooth. The mixture should be almost white and feel soft when you touch it.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you more control over the cake’s saltiness and ensures fresher ingredients.

• Why did my cake turn out dense or heavy?

This usually happens when ingredients are not at room temperature, you overmix the batter, or use cold eggs. Always ensure ingredients are room temperature and mix just until ingredients are combined.

The Irresistible Charm of Classic Butter Cake and How to Make It

• Boost Your Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners wanting to learn classic cake-making techniques with simple steps that build confidence in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a classic, nostalgic dessert that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats.
• Quick Kitchen Companion: Requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing skills, allowing home bakers to create a delicious homemade cake without complicated methods or expensive tools.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Can be easily customized with different frostings, glazes, or toppings to match any occasion or personal taste preference, from casual snacking to elegant celebrations.

Key Ingredients That Make Butter Cake So Moist and Tender

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and volume to the butter cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, moist cake crumb.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the butter.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cake texture.

• Cake Pan: A 9-inch pan that will hold and shape the cake during baking.

Stepwise Guide to Baking the Ultimate Butter Cake Every Time

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your 9-inch cake pan and give it a generous coating of butter and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and airy.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs Gently

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps create a smooth, even batter.

Step 5: Splash of Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture.

Start and end with flour, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 7: Pan Preparation

Transfer the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface.

Step 8: Baking Time

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cooling Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Helpful Tips to Perfect the Texture and Flavor of Butter Cake

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Line the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal and a perfectly shaped cake.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking to guarantee even browning and consistent cooking.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving to maintain its delicate structure and prevent crumbling.

Flavorful Variations That Add a New Dimension to Your Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Butter Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a wheat-free version.
• Chocolate Swirl Butter Cake: Fold melted dark chocolate into half the batter, creating a marbled effect when baked.
• Lemon Zest Butter Cake: Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the cake's flavor profile.
• Vegan Butter Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk for a plant-based alternative.

Quick Butter Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delectable butter cake from grandma’s kitchen delights taste buds with rich, creamy texture and nostalgic charm. Smooth butter and subtle sweetness combine for a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (300g, 10.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml, 8 fluid ounces) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g, 11 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Ingredient:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan by coating with butter and dusting with flour.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a light texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Blend vanilla extract into the creamy mixture, distributing the flavor evenly.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two and starting and finishing with flour to create a balanced batter.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate air pockets.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake maintains its delicate structure.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest or almond extract for a subtle, sophisticated twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 519
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 179 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg