Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe
The Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe offers a timeless, buttery, and soft dessert. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, it delivers a rich flavor and moist texture. Ideal for any occasion, this classic cake is easy to make and sure to impress with its comforting taste.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Measuring cup and spoons
- 1 9-inch round cake pan or square cake pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and makes it easier to remove after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, which will make the cake light and tender.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition. You want the eggs to fully incorporate, giving the cake batter a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, and continue until everything is combined. Mix on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract
- Add the vanilla extract and stir until fully incorporated. The vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the richness of the butter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top 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. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
If you want to elevate this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe, you can add a glaze or frosting. A simple powdered sugar glaze can add a delightful sweetness and shine to the top of the cake.
Alternatively, you can serve it with fresh whipped cream or berries for an even more decadent treat.
I also recommend trying this recipe with different flavorings, such as almond extract instead of vanilla or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist.