🥮 Introduction: The Irresistible Allure of Butter Cake
The moment you catch that warm, buttery aroma wafting from the oven, you know something special is baking — a classic butter cake. Soft, golden, and delicately sweet, this cake is the kind you’ll find yourself craving long after the last crumb disappears.
Unlike sponge or pound cake, a true butter cake strikes the perfect balance: light yet rich, tender yet flavorful. Whether you’re baking for birthdays, tea time, or a cozy weekend treat, this butter cake delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.
🍰 Why You’ll Love This Butter Cake
- ✨ Perfect Texture: Soft, moist, and delicately crumbed.
- 🧈 Pure Butter Flavor: Creamy, golden richness in every bite.
- 🧑🍳 Foolproof Technique: A simple method that guarantees professional results.
- 🎂 Versatile: Enjoy plain, layer it with frosting, or top it with fruit and cream.
- 🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect butter cake from scratch.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
Pro Tip: Room temperature ingredients are essential — they blend smoothly and trap air, giving your cake its light, fluffy texture.
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans (or one 9×13-inch pan) with parchment paper for an easy release.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy — about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key! Proper creaming incorporates air, creating that soft, cloud-like crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for that classic aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with tea, or layer with your favorite buttercream for a show-stopping dessert.
💡 Expert Baking Tips
- Use Real Butter: Margarine can’t replicate that rich flavor or texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once flour is added, mix gently to avoid a dense cake.
- Measure Precisely: Baking is science — spoon and level your flour.
- Test Early: Ovens vary; check doneness 5 minutes before the timer.
- Enhance with Buttermilk: Swap milk for buttermilk for extra tenderness.
🍋 Delicious Variations to Try
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
- Marble Butter Cake: Swirl in ¼ cup melted chocolate before baking.
- Brown Butter Cake: Brown the butter first for a nutty, deep flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Cake: Use seeds from one vanilla bean for an aromatic upgrade.
- Coconut Butter Cake: Replace ¼ cup flour with desiccated coconut.
🍓 Serving Suggestions
Serve your butter cake:
- With fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert.
- Warmed slightly with vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
- Topped with cream cheese frosting for a celebration-worthy cake.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps up to a week when tightly wrapped.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes — just reduce added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
Q2: Why is my butter cake dry?
Overbaking or overmixing can dry it out. Bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q3: Can I make this without a mixer?
Absolutely. Use a sturdy whisk and strong arms! Just ensure butter is very soft.
Q4: How can I make it extra moist?
Substitute half the milk with sour cream or buttermilk. It adds moisture and tenderness.
Q5: Can I frost it?
Yes! It pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.
🏆 Final Thoughts
This butter cake recipe isn’t just another dessert — it’s a timeless classic you’ll treasure. With its golden crust, soft crumb, and rich buttery taste, it’s the kind of cake that brings back memories, warmth, and joy in every bite.
Once you’ve baked it, you’ll understand why it’s called “The Butter Cake Recipe You’ll Want to Make Again and Again.”
