A rich, moist, and tender classic, Butter Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. Known for its soft texture and buttery flavor, this cake is simple yet indulgent. With just a few basic ingredients, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual tea party to a celebratory gathering. It can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with frosting, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, at room temperature
Directions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve
- Once the cake has cooled, you can serve it as is, or dust it with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. Alternatively, frost with your favorite frosting (cream cheese frosting or buttercream works wonderfully), or enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Serving Suggestions
- With Fresh Berries: Serve slices of butter cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of sweetness.
- Frosted: Frost the cake with buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a more decadent treat.
- With a Hot Beverage: Butter cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert time.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and flavor.
- Layered Cake: Slice the butter cake into layers and fill with your favorite jam or frosting for a layered cake effect.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Butter Quality: Since butter is the star of this cake, make sure to use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Butter: While butter is rich in fat, it also provides essential vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K2 in small amounts.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
- Milk: Provides calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins, contributing to the overall richness of the cake.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This butter cake is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten: The recipe contains all-purpose flour, which means it is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy: This cake contains dairy (butter and milk), so it’s not dairy-free. You can substitute the milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter if needed.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay fresh and moist.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Butter cake freezes well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: With just a few basic ingredients, this butter cake comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for beginner bakers or when you need a fast dessert.
- Versatile: This cake is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as-is or dress it up with frosting, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Classic Comfort: There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich butter cake. It’s a timeless treat that always satisfies.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the butter and the careful mixing, this cake is incredibly moist and tender, with a light texture that melts in your mouth.
Conclusion
Butter cake is the epitome of a simple yet luxurious dessert. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or as an everyday treat, its moist, buttery texture is sure to win everyone over. With minimal ingredients and preparation, this cake offers maximum flavor. From the aroma of baking butter to the melt-in-your-mouth experience, it’s a dessert you’ll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. For every egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Can I make this cake in a different size pan? Absolutely! You can use a larger or smaller pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will require less time, while a smaller pan may need more time.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, butter cake can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- How can I make this cake more flavorful? Consider adding vanilla bean paste, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter to enhance the flavor.
- Can I freeze butter cake? Yes, butter cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What type of flour should I use for this cake? All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with cake flour for an even lighter texture.
- How do I know when my butter cake is done? The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I add frosting to this cake? Yes! Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream go wonderfully with butter cake.
- What’s the best way to store butter cake? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
- Can I add fruit to the butter cake batter? Yes, feel free to add berries, chopped apples, or citrus zest for added flavor and texture.