Simple and Classic Butter Cake Recipe

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Butter cake recipe is a beloved classic in the world of baking, known for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb. This cake is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite frosting.

Classic Butter Cake Recipe

A butter cake recipe is a delightful dessert made by blending butter, oil, and sour cream for a moist and fluffy texture. Unlike traditional pound cakes, this recipe involves melting the butter and mixing it with sugar, resulting in a quicker baking process and a lighter, airier crumb.

It can be baked in various pans, like square or round, and can be customized with additions such as blueberries or strawberries. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, this butter cake recipe is sure to delight.

Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious cake, complete with a decadent frosting option.

Ingredients for Butter Cake Recipe

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup of whole milk, brought to room temperature

For the Frosting (Optional):

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Classic Butter Cake Recipe Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour either two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Sifting the dry ingredients together helps ensure an evenly textured cake.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Using a large bowl and an electric mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a light and airy cake.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a delightful flavor.

Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:

Reduce the mixer speed and add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the room temperature whole milk. Starting and ending with the dry ingredients helps maintain a smooth batter.

Bake to Perfection:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a single pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake:

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cakes from getting soggy.

Prepare the Frosting (Optional):

While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a large bowl, whip the butter at medium speed until it becomes creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while beating on low speed until well combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream to reach the desired consistency.

Frost and Serve:

Once the cakes are cooled, frost them generously with the prepared frosting. For a layered cake, spread frosting between the layers as well as on top and around the sides. If using a single pan, simply frost the top. Slice and serve your delicious butter cake, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or fresh fruit for an extra treat.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic butter cake recipe with friends and family!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Achieving the perfect butter cake recipe can be easy if you keep these tips in mind:

Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly, creating a uniform batter that results in a tender and moist cake.
Baking is a science, so precise measurements are essential. For the best results, especially with flour and sugar, use a kitchen scale.
Whip the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is essential for a light and tender cake crumb. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together not only helps to combine them thoroughly but also aerates the mixture, contributing to a lighter cake texture.
If you’re using multiple pans, ensure the batter is divided evenly between them. This helps the cakes bake at the same rate, giving you uniform layers.
Feel free to add flavors or fillings to make the cake your own. Lemon zest, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves can add delightful variations to the basic butter cake recipe.

VARIATIONS AND CUSTOMIZATION

Fruit Add-ins: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chip: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks for a delightful chocolaty touch.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon, lime, or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Spices: Enhance the cake with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, aromatic taste.
Glazes and Syrups: Drizzle a simple syrup, lemon glaze, or caramel sauce over the cake for added sweetness and moisture.
Layer Cake: Slice the cake horizontally and add a layer of jam, curd, or frosting in between for a layered cake effect.

STORING AND FREEZING

Storing:

Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Use a cake dome, airtight container, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Freezing Whole Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Mark with the date and freeze for a period of up to 3 months.
Freezing Slices: If you prefer to freeze individual slices, place the cooled slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thawing: To thaw, transfer the cake or slices to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. For best results, unwrap the cake while it’s thawing to prevent condensation from making it soggy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is it called butter cake?

The term “butter cake” originates from the significant amount of butter used in the recipe, which contributes to its rich flavor and moist texture. In the butter cake recipe, butter is a primary ingredient, giving the cake its characteristic taste and texture. The name “butter cake” reflects the key role of butter in creating this delightful dessert.

Is butter cake the similar as pound cake?

While both butter cake and pound cake share similar ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, they have slight differences in texture and density. The butter cake recipe typically involves a lighter and more tender crumb compared to the dense and rich texture of traditional pound cake.

How can I customize the butter cake recipe with additional ingredients?

Butter cake is versatile, and you can customize it by adding various ingredients such as fresh or frozen fruits (blueberries, strawberries), nuts (walnuts, almonds), chocolate chips, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), or flavored extracts (vanilla, almond, lemon).

What does butter cake taste like?

Classic Butter Cake has a rich, buttery flavor with a moist and tender crumb. It’s slightly sweet but not overly so, allowing the buttery goodness to shine through. The texture is soft, fluffy, and melts in your mouth, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

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