Butter Cake Recipe

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.

Milk

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

  1. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic or foil to preserve freshness.
  2. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for added protection against moisture and air.
  3. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
  4. Consume fridge-stored cake within a week.
  5. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor retention.

Can You Freeze Butter Cake?

  1. Cool the cake thoroughly.
  2. Seal it with plastic wrap.
  3. Double-wrap in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.
  4. Label with date and content.
  5. 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

Jennifer Tirrell
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.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cake
Cuisine United States
Servings 12

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.
Keyword butter cake

I'm Jennifer Tirrell, a self-taught baker, and founder of CakeRe. As an experienced baker and recipe publisher, I have spent over a decade working in the kitchen and have tried and tested countless baking tools and products. From classic cakes to creative twists, I've got you covered. So grab your apron and let's get baking!

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