Quick & Fluffy Butter Cake Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Creamy butter cake stands as a delightful dessert that melts hearts with its rich, tender crumb.

Soft layers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking comfort through baking.

Sweet memories dance around this classic treat that connects generations through simple ingredients.

Home kitchens come alive with buttery aromas wafting from warm ovens.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe without complicated techniques.

Familiar yet elegant, the cake welcomes you into a world of delectable simplicity.

You’ll want to slice into this golden masterpiece and savor every delicious moment.

Slicing and Serving Butter Cake with Style

• Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Slice the butter cake and serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful midday treat.
• Decadent Dessert Upgrade: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
• Fruity Fresh Twist: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, or drizzle with a quick homemade berry compote to add a burst of color and tangy sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Brunch Star: Prepare the cake the night before and serve as a centerpiece for a weekend brunch, pairing perfectly with fresh coffee and light conversation.

How to Keep Butter Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Slice cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freezes well for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Use a cake dome or container with tight lid to prevent drying out.
• Warm refrigerated slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes this butter cake so moist?

The key is creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then adding eggs one at a time, which creates a tender texture and ensures even moisture throughout the cake.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall flavor.

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

The batter should look smooth and have a consistent pale yellow color. When you add dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough.

Why Butter Cake Stands Out

• Whip Up Comfort: A classic butter cake that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for lifting spirits and creating cozy moments at home.
• Master with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making it an ideal starting point for home bakers wanting to build confidence.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for multiple occasions like family gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual dessert after a hearty meal, this cake adapts to any celebration or quiet sweet craving.
• Quick Family Treat: Simple enough for kids to help prepare, bringing families together in the kitchen while creating delicious memories with minimal complicated steps.

Butter Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the butter cake.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base that gives the cake its signature moistness and flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender, soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich and smooth consistency.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk, Vanilla Extract: Provide moisture and a delightful aromatic flavor to the butter cake.

How to Bake Butter Cake Right

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Pan

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C).

Take a 9-inch cake pan and generously coat the interior with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar.

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture that looks almost white and feels incredibly smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs And Vanilla

Add eggs to the butter mixture one at a time.

Mix thoroughly after each egg addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything is silky and well combined.

Step 5: Create The Cake Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, mixing gently.

Stir until the batter looks uniform but avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fill The Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth 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 when the cake is ready.

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 serving.

Tips for Smooth Butter Cake Results

• Beat ingredients at room temperature for maximum fluffiness and a lighter cake texture.
• Gently fold dry ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough, dense cake.
• Use the toothpick test, inserting it in the center and ensuring it comes out clean without wet batter.
• Add lemon zest, almond extract, or swap milk with buttermilk for unique taste profiles.
• Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain moisture.

Customize Your Butter Cake Experience

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs.
• Citrus Infusion: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for added texture and nutty undertones.

Butter Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade butter cake blends classic southern comfort with rich, creamy textures that delight dessert enthusiasts. Moist crumb and golden exterior promise delectable satisfaction for bakers seeking simple yet elegant sweet treats.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with butter and flour coating.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, setting the dry mixture aside for later use.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure even distribution.
5. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s aromatic flavor profile.
6. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and gently stirring to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
7. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it evenly to create a level surface.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted at the center emerges clean and dry.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, helping it stabilize and prevent crumbling.
10. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and place on a wire cooling rack, letting it reach room temperature before serving or decorating.

Notes

• Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth, even mixing and help create a tender cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake by stirring just until ingredients are combined.
• Use high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the richest, most authentic flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s classic texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg