If you have a soft spot for classic desserts that taste like a warm hug from the past, this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s buttery, tender, and so irresistibly moist that every bite feels like a comforting celebration. This cake has that timeless charm and rich flavor that takes you back to a simpler time in baking, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Once you try this cake, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and overall experience of this cake.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, making the cake tender and sturdy enough to hold together.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: The star ingredient for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a delicate crumb.
- Large eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttery cake.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender with its creamy texture.
How to Make Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, grease and flour a 9×9-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch round pan. This step ensures that your cake won’t stick and will slide out perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is essential because it distributes the leavening and salt evenly throughout the batter, which is key for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and is what builds the cake’s airy structure and rich flavor.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the batter, making sure everything comes together evenly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which gives the cake that classic fragrant note.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Be sure to start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — overmixing can make the cake tough, so handle the batter gently for the perfect tender crumb.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The house will soon be filled with the comforting aroma of butter and vanilla!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly. Slice up and enjoy the tender, buttery delight that you just created!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simplicity is best, but a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this classic dessert. Try dusting the top with powdered sugar for a delicate finish or add a dollop of fresh whipped cream paired with seasonal berries to introduce a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot tea or coffee, balancing sweetness with a comforting beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for party platters or stacking layers with a spread of homemade jam or lemon curd. You can also transform it into an irresistible trifle by layering it with custard and fruit in a glass bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them fresh by wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw the cake at room temperature. For that fresh-baked feel, warm a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop it in a low oven for a few minutes to revive its softness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cake too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.
Can I substitute the whole milk with another liquid?
Whole milk is preferred for its richness, but you can substitute it with buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and tender crumb, or use cream for an even richer cake. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can work too in a pinch.
What is the best way to make sure the cake is moist?
The key to moistness in this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe is not overmixing the batter and measuring ingredients accurately. Also, cream the butter and sugar fully to trap air, which contributes to a tender crumb.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter evenly into lined cupcake tins and reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Is this cake good with frosting?
This cake shines on its own thanks to its buttery richness, but if you like frosting, light cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze would complement it well without overpowering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a classic dessert that never goes out of style, you must try this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe. Its simplicity, buttery richness, and tender crumb will quickly make it a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once this cake is on your table, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a tender, moist, and buttery cake perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that delivers rich flavor and a soft crumb, ideal for serving with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch round cake pan to prepare it for the batter.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is key to a tender crumb.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your classic butter cake as is or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and tender.
- Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor and a more tender crumb.
- For even baking, avoid opening the oven door frequently while the cake is baking.
- This cake pairs well with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
