Easy Butter Cake Recipe

Golden, rich, and irresistibly moist, this Easy Butter Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with every bite. The buttery aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating an atmosphere of pure comfort. With its tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a cake that feels both classic and indulgent, perfect for celebrations or a simple afternoon treat.

Behind the Recipe

The beauty of butter cake lies in its simplicity. This recipe was born out of a craving for something timeless, the kind of cake that doesn’t need fancy frostings or elaborate layers to impress. Just butter, sugar, flour, and eggs working together in harmony to create a cake that’s comforting and elegant at the same time.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Butter cakes have their roots in European baking traditions, evolving from pound cakes in the 18th century. When these recipes made their way to America, bakers adjusted ratios to make the cakes lighter and fluffier, giving rise to the modern butter cake. Today, it’s a staple in bakeries and homes alike, beloved for its simplicity and versatility.

Why You’ll Love Easy Butter Cake Recipe

This cake is more than just dessert, it’s an experience of buttery comfort in every slice:

Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with fruit, or dressed up with whipped cream or glaze.

Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: Simple steps that anyone can follow.

Customizable: Add citrus zest, spices, or chocolate chips for variation.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its rich, buttery flavor wins over any gathering.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist and delicious for days.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few tricks to ensure your cake turns out bakery-worthy:

1. Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
2. Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, it’s key to a tender crumb.
3. Don’t overmix once flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
4. Bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
5. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to lock in moisture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional bakery setup, just these essentials:

Mixing Bowls: For dry and wet ingredients.

Hand or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in baking.

Cake Pan: A standard 9×9-inch or round pan works perfectly.

Cooling Rack: Helps the cake cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients in Easy Butter Cake Recipe

Every ingredient plays a role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – Provides the structure of the cake.
2. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Gives the cake a gentle rise.
3. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – The star ingredient, adding richness and flavor.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups – Sweetens and lightens the batter.
6. Eggs: 4 large – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
7. Whole Milk: ½ cup – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
8. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes substitutions are necessary, and this recipe allows for flexibility:

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (reduce added salt slightly).
Whole Milk: Buttermilk for tang or plant-based milk.
Granulated Sugar: Light brown sugar for a caramel note.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract for a nutty twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butter: The foundation of this recipe, it adds richness, tenderness, and a golden flavor that defines butter cake.

Eggs: Not only do they bind the batter, but they also add structure and contribute to the cake’s light, airy texture.

Instructions for Making Easy Butter Cake Recipe

This recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Here’s how to bring it to life:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch or round cake pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
4. Assemble the Dish: Ensure the batter is evenly spread for uniform baking.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The cake boasts a tender, moist crumb with a buttery richness that melts in your mouth. The balance of sweetness and subtle vanilla makes it delicious on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with toppings.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Always sift flour to avoid lumps and ensure lightness.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
• Use parchment paper at the bottom of the pan for easy release.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overbake, which will dry out the cake.
• Avoid using cold butter, it won’t cream properly.
• Don’t skip greasing and flouring the pan, or the cake may stick.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake stays moist for several days. Store at room temperature wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Easy Butter Cake Recipe

Serve plain with tea or coffee, top with whipped cream and berries for a light dessert, or add a scoop of ice cream for indulgence.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers don’t need to be boring:

• Cube and layer with pudding for a quick trifle.
• Toast slices lightly and top with jam for breakfast.
• Turn into cake pops with frosting and chocolate coating.

Additional Tips

Add citrus zest for brightness, or swirl in a bit of cocoa powder for a marble effect. A drizzle of simple glaze can also dress it up beautifully.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar, garnished with edible flowers or fresh fruit. This simple presentation turns a humble cake into a centerpiece.

Variations to Try

• Add chocolate chips for a buttery-chocolate version.
• Make it citrusy with lemon or orange zest.
• Bake as cupcakes for individual portions.
• Add a layer of jam or cream between two cakes for a layered treat.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, just omit the baking powder and salt.

Q2: Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but increase bake time slightly and check for doneness with a skewer.

Q3: Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk substitutes.

Q4: Does this cake need frosting?

No, it’s delicious plain, but frosting or glaze adds extra flair.

Q5: Can I freeze butter cake?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Q7: Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce by ¼ cup, though texture may be slightly less tender.

Q8: How do I know when it’s done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time.

Q10: How can I make it extra moist?

Add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.

Conclusion

This Easy Butter Cake Recipe is a timeless classic, bringing buttery richness and tender texture in every slice. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up, it’s the kind of cake that never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a go-to favorite for all occasions.

Watch How To Make Easy Butter Cake Recipe