The Wilton Butter Cake recipe is a rich, buttery dessert known for its soft crumb and delicate almond-vanilla flavor.
I made it for my parents and partner, who appreciate homemade treats and family traditions. The process felt nostalgic as I creamed the butter and sugar, slowly folding in the dry ingredients while the kitchen filled with warmth.
Laughter echoed while we waited for the Wilton Butter Cake to bake, the scent reminding us of my grandmother’s old recipes.
Frosting it together turned into a sweet, shared moment that made the entire experience even more memorable.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this recipe because it delivers a rich, buttery flavor with a soft, tender crumb that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
The hint of almond adds a unique touch that elevates the cake beyond a standard vanilla dessert. It’s a joy to make, fills the kitchen with warmth, and always brings smiles to the table.
Wilton Butter Cake shared with family or made for a quiet moment of sweetness, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something a little more special.
How To Prepare Wilton Butter Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approx. 550 per slice (depending on serving size)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 2 mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (or two 8-inch pans)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife or cake leveler (for frosting)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (230g) butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp almond extract
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ cups buttercream frosting
How To Make Wilton Butter Cake Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or two 8-inch pans), or line them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting.
8. Slice and serve the delicious Wilton Butter Cake!
Serving Suggestions
This Wilton Butter Cake is versatile, so you can serve it in many delightful ways! Here are a few ideas:
✤ With Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) on top for a fruity twist.
✤ Layered with Frosting: Make it even more decadent by frosting the cake with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a rich chocolate ganache.
✤ As a Layer Cake: You can slice the cake horizontally and add layers of your favorite jam, frosting, or fruit between them for a show-stopping presentation.
Tips And Variations
1. Use Cake Flour for a Lighter Texture
For a lighter, more delicate cake, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will give your cake a finer crumb.
2. Add Zest or Spices
Feel free to experiment by adding zest from a lemon or orange for a citrusy zing. Or, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will add some warmth and depth to the flavor, especially during the colder months.
3. Make it a Dairy-Free Cake
If you need a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with vegan butter and the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. The cake will still be just as delicious!
Health Benefits
While this Wilton Butter Cake is a sweet indulgence, it does have some elements that can contribute to your health when enjoyed in moderation.
❖ High in Protein: The eggs in this cake provide a good amount of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
❖ Rich in Healthy Fats: Butter, while high in calories, also contains some beneficial fats when consumed in moderation.
❖ Vitamin A: Butter is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function.
Of course, like with any dessert, it’s best to enjoy this cake in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
(FAQs) about the Wilton Butter Cake Recipe
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated—just let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, simply increase the vanilla extract slightly. The almond adds a subtle depth, but the cake is still delicious without it.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole milk is ideal for a rich, moist texture, but 2% milk can also be used. Avoid skim milk, as it may affect the cake’s richness and moisture.
How should I store the frosted cake?
The frosted cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes, this batter works well for cupcakes. Fill liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
I hope this Wilton Butter Cake becomes as meaningful to you as it has to me. Baking it brought more than just a delicious dessert to the table it brought comfort, connection, and joy.
Sharing Wilton Butter Cake with loved ones made the time in the kitchen feel less like work and more like a celebration of simple pleasures.
It’s these little rituals, done with care, that leave lasting memories. I’ll return to this Wilton Butter Cake again, not just for the taste, but for the happiness it brings to those I share it with.
You Might Also Like
Banana And Oat Bread Recipe – Great Breakfast
Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe – Summer Delight
Vanilla Cake Chocolate Ganache – A Delightful Treat
Deliciously Bread Cheese Balls Recipe
Wilton Butter Cake
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (or two 8-inch pans)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Knife or cake leveler (for frosting)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 180g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup 230g butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups 300g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp almond extract
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ cups buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or two 8-inch pans), or line them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting.
- Slice and serve the delicious Wilton Butter Cake!