Butter Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, buttery aroma of a freshly baked butter cake filling your kitchen. With its golden crust and soft, tender crumb, this classic dessert is pure comfort in every bite.

I first fell in love with butter cake when I was a child, watching my grandmother mix up a simple batter with effortless grace. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just good, old-fashioned baking that never fails to impress. Today, I’m sharing that same easy, foolproof recipe so you can enjoy this timeless treat whenever the craving strikes.

Why You'll Love This Butter Cake

Get ready to meet your new go-to cake recipe! This butter cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special skills or equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a little bit of patience while it bakes to golden perfection.

The flavor is out of this world. Thanks to a generous amount of butter, this cake is rich, slightly sweet, and bursting with warm, buttery goodness.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee, dress it up with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or use it as a base for layered cakes and trifles.

And let’s not forget its perfect texture. Light and fluffy yet moist, this butter cake stays soft for days, making it ideal for make-ahead desserts and snack-time treats.

If you’re looking for a foolproof cake that works for any occasion, this butter cake is the one!

Ingredients Notes

A great butter cake starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving that signature flavor and texture.

Butter is the star of the show. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content, and make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing. The butter gives the cake its rich flavor and tender crumb.

Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture. Granulated sugar works best here, but if you want a slightly deeper flavor, try substituting a small portion with brown sugar.

Eggs provide structure and moisture. They also contribute to the cake's richness, so be sure to use fresh, room-temperature eggs for the best results.

Flour is the foundation of the cake. All-purpose flour works perfectly, giving the cake a soft yet sturdy texture. Be sure to measure it correctly—too much flour can make the cake dense.

Milk adds moisture and ensures the cake stays soft. Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can use 2% if that’s what you have on hand. If you want extra flavor, try substituting part of the milk with buttermilk.

You'll also need a bit of baking powder for leavening and vanilla extract for that classic homemade flavor.

A standard 9-inch cake pan works best for this recipe, but if you prefer, you can also use a loaf pan or make cupcakes!

How To Make This Butter Cake

Making this butter cake is as easy as mixing, baking, and enjoying! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect homemade cake.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. This small step ensures your cake releases beautifully after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—properly creamed butter traps air, giving the cake its signature soft texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the batter stay smooth and prevents it from curdling. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. This method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of butter and vanilla.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—though I won’t blame you if you sneak a warm piece!

Storage Options

This butter cake stays wonderfully fresh for days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

To keep it fresh at room temperature, store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay soft and moist for up to three days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating is easy—just microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds for a warm, buttery treat!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this butter cake is how easily you can customize it. Try these fun variations to switch things up!

For a citrusy twist, add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. This brightens up the flavor and pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Want a chocolate version? Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey butter cake. You can also mix in chocolate chips for extra decadence.

If you love nuts, fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. They add a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Looking for a dairy-free option? Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. The texture will still be soft and delicious!

You can even turn this recipe into cupcakes! Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18-20 minutes.

No matter how you make it, this butter cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect variation!

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