Butter Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Butter Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Nestled in the world of comforting desserts, this butter cake recipe promises pure indulgence.

Soft, golden crumbs melt on your tongue with each delectable bite.

Rich flavors dance through every slice, creating moments of pure culinary joy.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Creamy and decadent, the cake whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen warmth.

Subtle notes of vanilla and smooth butter transform an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that brings smiles to everyone gathered around the table.

Let’s bake something extraordinary that turns ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Butter Cake – Richness In Every Bite

  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for novice bakers who want a simple yet delicious dessert without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A classic butter cake that brings warmth and joy to family gatherings, potlucks, or casual afternoon treats with its rich, tender crumb.
  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward mixing method mean you can whip up this delightful cake in no time, satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Dessert Superstar: Adaptable for various occasions – serve plain, dust with powdered sugar, or dress up with frosting for birthdays, celebrations, or a quick weekend indulgence.

Pantry Must-Haves For Buttery Cake Goodness

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure and richness to the cake.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cake's foundation and gives it structure.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
Liquid and Flavoring:
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract: Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter, while vanilla extract provides a classic, warm flavor to the cake.

Baking Steps For Classic Butter Cake Bliss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9-inch cake pan and give it a quick coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat the butter and sugar together.

Keep mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of deliciousness.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract and blend until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 5: Create the Cake Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture.

Start and end with the flour mixture.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

The batter should look smooth and silky.

Step 6: Fill the Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade butter cake!

Butter Cake Tips For Light And Moist Texture

  • Pull out butter, eggs, and milk 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined to prevent a tough, dense cake.
  • Thoroughly grease and flour the cake pan, using butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
  • Use the toothpick test near the center of the cake, ensuring it comes out clean with no wet batter.
  • Allow the cake to cool entirely on a wire rack to set the structure and prevent crumbling when slicing.

Creative Variations On Buttery Cake Favorites

  • Gluten-Free Butter Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Lemon Zest Butter Cake: Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Reduced Sugar Cake: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and incorporate whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

Serving Butter Cake For Maximum Sweet Enjoyment

  • Dessert Companion: Pair this classic butter cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast.
  • Tea Time Treat: Slice the cake and serve alongside Earl Grey tea or fresh-brewed coffee for an afternoon indulgence.
  • Fruity Twist: Top with macerated strawberries or a dollop of homemade whipped cream and fresh berries for added brightness.
  • Elegant Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves for a simple yet sophisticated dessert platter.

Butter Cake Storage For Lasting Softness

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Remove cake from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, transfer to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp exterior, use an oven preheated to 300F and warm for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What makes this butter cake different from other cakes?

This butter cake has a rich, classic flavor with a tender crumb achieved by carefully creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs and milk gradually to create a smooth, even texture.

  • Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon. The key is to beat the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy, which might take a bit more arm strength when mixing manually.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and pale, with no lumps of butter or flour. When you add dry ingredients and milk, mix just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

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Butter Cake Recipe

Butter Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful butter cake melts hearts with its rich, buttery essence and simple elegance. Generations of bakers treasure this classic dessert that promises comfort and pure culinary joy for sweet-seeking souls.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with a light greasing and flour coating.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a pale, airy consistency with significant volume expansion.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Create a separate bowl to combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking until uniformly distributed.
  5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, using an alternating technique that begins and concludes with flour, mixing until ingredients are just incorporated without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
  7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
  8. Allow the cake to rest within the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Softening butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture that helps create a light and fluffy cake.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, ensuring a consistent and tender cake crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 452
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 141 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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