Butter cake is a timeless classic loved for its rich, buttery flavor and moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through how to make a delicious butter cake from scratch with easy-to-follow steps and tips.
What Is Butter Cake?
Butter cake is a cake where butter is the star ingredient, providing flavor and texture. It typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, milk, baking powder or soda, and vanilla extract. The butter is creamed with sugar to trap air, which helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Depending on the recipe, a butter cake can be dense like a pound cake or light and airy like a sponge cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs (large, at room temperature)
– All-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
– Baking powder (sometimes baking soda)
– Milk or buttermilk
– Vanilla extract
Optional: vegetable oil (some recipes add a bit for extra moistness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Cake
1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and evenly. Preheat your oven to 325°F to 350°F (about 160°C to 175°C), depending on your recipe. Grease and flour your cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and keeps the flour light.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs One at a Time
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate fully without curdling the batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
7. Pour Batter into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on pan size and oven temperature. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted with your favorite icing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Cake
– Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly.
– Measure flour carefully: Too much flour can make the cake dry and dense. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level the flour in your measuring cup.
– Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cake.
– Grease and flour your pan well: This prevents sticking and helps the cake release cleanly.
– Avoid opening the oven door during baking: Sudden temperature changes can cause the cake to sink.
– Use softened butter, not melted: Creaming softened butter traps air better, leading to a fluffier texture.
Variations to Try
– Buttermilk Butter Cake: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy flavor and extra moist crumb.
– Glazed Butter Cake: After baking, pour a warm butter-sugar glaze over the cake for added sweetness and shine.
– Layer Butter Cake: Bake in two or more pans and layer with buttercream or fruit preserves for a special occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Butter cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
– Plain with a cup of tea or coffee
– Topped with fresh berries and whipped cream
– Frosted with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting
– With a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert
Butter cake also makes a great base for birthday cakes, wedding cakes, or any celebration.
Butter cake is a simple yet delicious treat that anyone can master with a little practice. Its buttery richness and tender crumb make it a favorite for all occasions. Happy baking!