Butter cake is a timeless classic that’s rich, buttery, and absolutely delicious. With its tender crumb, delicate flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to afternoon tea. This cake is incredibly easy to make and offers a satisfying, comforting treat that will have everyone asking for a second slice. Whether you enjoy it on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries, this butter cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
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Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Vitamin C: 0mg
The Origins and Popularity of Butter Cake
Butter cake is believed to have originated in Europe, with roots in British and French baking traditions. The use of butter as a key ingredient can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, as butter became more widely available and prized for its rich, creamy flavor. Butter cakes are simple in their ingredients, which typically include butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and milk, and have remained a popular dessert due to their versatility and indulgent flavor.
The cake is incredibly popular worldwide and is often made to celebrate various occasions, from birthdays to weddings, and is enjoyed as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Over time, butter cake has been adapted into many variations, including adding fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor, and even transforming into layered cakes or bundt cakes for more elaborate presentations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butter cake is a classic for a reason—its simplicity, richness, and delicious flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. The buttery taste paired with the light and fluffy texture of the cake makes each bite a comforting delight. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a perfect option for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether served on its own or paired with frosting, whipped cream, or fruit, this cake never disappoints.
Health Benefits of Butter Cake
While butter cake is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it does provide some nutritional benefits from its simple ingredients. Butter is a source of healthy fats, and eggs provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. The flour used in the cake provides carbohydrates for energy, and the milk adds a boost of calcium for healthy bones. This cake, however, should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence due to its high sugar and fat content.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the butter cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- You can also serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.
- Pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Tips
- Be sure to properly cream the butter and sugar to incorporate air into the batter, which will help make the cake light and fluffy.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- To make sure your cake is perfectly baked, check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with buttermilk for a tender, moist texture.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a sweet, indulgent twist.
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Fruit Butter Cake: Add 1 cup of your favorite fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, to the batter for a fruity variation.
- Almond Butter Cake: Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract and top with sliced almonds for a nutty twist.
Conclusion
Butter cake is a timeless classic that offers a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb. It’s easy to make, requires just a few simple ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you keep it simple or add a twist with fruits, chocolate, or nuts, this butter cake will surely become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to be enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the butter cake in advance and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw it before serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the cake its rich flavor, you can substitute margarine in equal amounts. However, the taste and texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a different-sized pan, but the baking time may vary. If you’re using a smaller or larger pan, check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free.