The Butter Cake Recipe is a classic dessert enjoyed for generations. It features butter as a key ingredient and is made with simple elements like sugar, eggs, flour, and leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. This recipe is a quintessential American cake and a popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and weddings.
Key Butter Cake Ingredients & Why
Butter
Use room-temperature unsalted butter for rich flavor.
Sugar
Cream granulated sugar with butter for a tender crumb.
Eggs
Add eggs one at a time for structure and moisture.
Flour
Use all-purpose flour for structure and rise.
Leavening agents
Baking powder and soda for a light texture.
Add whole milk for moisture and tenderness.
Vanilla extract
Enhance flavor with vanilla extract.
How Do You Make The Best Butter Cake?
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan, optionally lining the bottom with parchment or wax paper, or dust with flour for easy baking.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl for clarity and simplicity.
- Whisk sugar and butter in a large bowl until fluffy using an electric mixer. Add eggs one by one, beating well each time. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix the flour in 1/2 cup portions, alternating with milk. Blend briefly after each addition for clarity and a concise batter.
- Simply pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center is clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips For Making Butter Cake Recipe
- Use all-purpose flour for the cake.
- Ensure your leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) are fresh for optimal results.
- Use room-temperature unsalted butter for the batter.
- Enhance flavor and achieve a soft, tender crumb with whole milk.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy to infuse the batter with air.
- Gradually incorporate eggs and milk into the batter, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Add dry ingredients incrementally, mixing until just blended.
- Grease and line your pan with parchment paper before pouring the batter.
- Maintain oven integrity; refrain from opening it to prevent uneven cooking and collapsing.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removal.
- Dust with powdered sugar or adorn with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or homemade caramel sauce for added delight.
How to Store Butter Cake
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic or foil to preserve freshness.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for added protection against moisture and air.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Consume fridge-stored cake within a week.
- Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor retention.
Can You Freeze Butter Cake?
- Cool the cake thoroughly.
- Seal it with plastic wrap.
- Double-wrap in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.
- Label with date and content.
- Freeze for 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Cake
Why write about classic butter cake instead of other types of cake
Discover the art of classic butter cake – a journey of trial and triumph, sharing valuable insights with readers.
What are the key ingredients in butter cake?
Improve Flow: The classic butter cake recipe comprises all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and milk.
How can I ensure my butter cake turns out well?
Achieving a flawless butter cake requires a few key steps. Firstly, resist the urge to peek into the oven, as this can lead to uneven baking and a potential collapse. Secondly, ensure the use of fresh leavening agents, and let unsalted butter reach room temperature. Lastly, choose whole milk to enhance flavor and ensure a soft, tender crumb.
Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk, room temperature
Instructions
- To prepare, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan. You can line the bottom with parchment or wax paper or dust it lightly with flour for added ease.
- In a spacious bowl, blend together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Start by blending sugar and butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, gradually add the eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Finally, incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture in 1/2 cup portions, alternating with milk. After each addition, blend the batter briefly for a harmonious result.
- Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared pan.
- Place in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Afterward, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack for complete cooling.
