Heavenly Butter Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

When the sweet aroma of a warm butter cake fills your kitchen, magic happens right before your senses.

This classic butter cake recipe promises pure comfort and delightful indulgence.

Soft, rich, and incredibly tender, the cake melts effortlessly on your palate with each heavenly bite.

Butter creates a luxurious foundation that elevates this simple dessert into something truly special.

Every slice tells a story of creamy, golden perfection that beckons you closer.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike treasure this timeless recipe for its remarkable simplicity and unforgettable taste.

Why Butter Cake Is a Classic

• Bake with Ease: Incredibly simple recipe with basic ingredients found in most kitchens, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Classic Comfort: Delivers a nostalgic, tender butter cake that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, reminding you of homemade goodness.
• Quick Family Treat: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward mixing technique make this cake a stress-free dessert that kids and adults will adore.
• Versatile Delight: Serves as an excellent base for various toppings like frosting, fresh fruits, or powdered sugar, allowing endless customization for different occasions.

Ingredients for Buttery Cake Goodness

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and texture foundation for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and contributes to the cake's soft, moist texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Whole Milk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture, richness, and a classic sweet flavor to the butter cake.

How to Bake a Butter Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

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

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure these ingredients are perfectly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks almost cloud-like.

This process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

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

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Gently fold in the dry ingredients alternating with milk.

Start with flour mixture and end with flour.

Mix until ingredients are just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the silky batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

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

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Pro Tips for Fluffy Butter Cake

• Leave butter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing.
• Use fresh eggs and milk at room temperature for better cake texture and rise.
• Don't overmix the batter; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
• Rotate the cake pan halfway through baking for even browning and consistent baking.
• Wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days.

Butter Cake Variations to Consider

• Lemon Zest Butter Cake: Replace vanilla extract with fresh lemon zest and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture and taste.
• Almond Butter Cake: Substitute half the butter with almond butter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch and nutty notes.
• Coconut Milk Variation: Replace regular milk with full-fat coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical-inspired cake with rich, creamy undertones.

Serving Slices of Butter Cake

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this rich butter cake with a steaming cup of espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Sweet Fruity Twist: Top slices with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm raspberry sauce to add brightness and extra flavor.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar, serve on a beautiful plate, and garnish with a mint leaf for a restaurant-style finish.
• Nostalgic Ice Cream Partner: Serve a warm slice alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for a classic comfort dessert that brings back childhood memories.

Keeping Butter Cake Moist and Fresh

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Use a cake dome or plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen pieces, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before gently warming.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

• How do I know if my butter is at the right temperature for creaming?

The butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed, but not melting. Leave it at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking.

• What if my eggs are straight from the refrigerator?

Let eggs sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using. Cold eggs can make the batter lumpy and affect the cake’s texture.

• How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess to create a non-stick surface.

Butter Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter cake brings classic comfort to dessert tables with its rich, velvety crumb and golden-brown perfection. Sweet memories melt together as you savor each tender slice of this timeless treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with a light coating of grease and flour.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and achieves a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each egg. Mix in vanilla extract for additional flavor.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and conclude with the flour mixture, stirring gently until ingredients are just incorporated.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Place 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 in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully remove and place on a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Try different extracts like almond or lemon to add unique flavor variations to the classic butter cake.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when measuring flour, to avoid a dense or dry cake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg