Introduction and Overview
What is Old Fashioned Butter Cake?
Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a classic, simple, and incredibly moist cake that features the rich flavor of butter as its main ingredient. This cake has a tender crumb and a light, buttery sweetness, making it perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, or serving as the base for more elaborate desserts like layered cakes, trifles, or shortcakes. Unlike more complex cakes, the beauty of an old-fashioned butter cake lies in its simplicity and the pure, comforting flavors of butter, sugar, and vanilla.
A Timeless Classic for Any Occasion
This cake is often enjoyed on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or a dollop of whipped cream. Its versatility and rich, buttery flavor make it a staple in any baker’s repertoire and a go-to for family gatherings, birthdays, or simple weeknight desserts.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Butter
As the star of the recipe, butter adds richness, moisture, and a beautiful flavor to the cake. It’s important to use high-quality unsalted butter to ensure the best results.
Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden-brown crust when baked.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake, helping it rise and giving it a light, tender crumb.
Flour
All-purpose flour is used to give the cake its structure and a soft, delicate crumb. For best results, measure the flour carefully to avoid a dense cake.
Milk
Whole milk adds moisture to the batter, making the cake light and fluffy. You can substitute it with buttermilk for a slight tang and extra tenderness.
Nutritional Benefits
Butter: Source of Essential Fats
Butter is rich in fats, particularly saturated fats, which are important for energy and essential for many bodily functions. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
Eggs: High in Protein and Nutrients
Eggs provide a good source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins, including B12 and choline, which are important for brain health.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make Old Fashioned Butter Cake, you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Simple Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed for desired consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one large rectangular pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully before adding the next.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting (if using):
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting over the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top, and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 kcal
Recipe Variations
Lemon Butter Cake
For a bright, citrusy variation, add the zest of 1-2 lemons to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract. You can also make a lemon glaze by adding lemon juice to the powdered sugar glaze.
Buttermilk Butter Cake
For extra moisture and a slight tang, substitute the whole milk with buttermilk. This adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps keep the cake even more tender.
Chocolate Butter Cake
Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate butter cake. You can also top it with chocolate ganache or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Almond Butter Cake
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, fragrant variation. You can also top the cake with sliced almonds before baking for added texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
As a Standalone Dessert
This cake is delicious on its own, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. It’s perfect for a simple dessert or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
With Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream
For a more elaborate presentation, serve slices of butter cake with fresh berries (like strawberries or raspberries) and a dollop of whipped cream. The freshness of the berries complements the rich buttery flavor of the cake.
As a Layered Cake
Turn this butter cake into a layered cake by adding buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or lemon curd between the layers. It makes a wonderful birthday cake or special occasion dessert.
Pairing Ideas
With Coffee or Tea
The richness of butter cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The slightly bitter notes of coffee help balance the sweetness of the cake.
With Ice Cream
Serve this butter cake warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a comforting, indulgent dessert. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is irresistible.
With a Glass of Milk
For a simple and classic pairing, enjoy a slice of butter cake with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the buttery richness of the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Old Fashioned Butter Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage.
Can I freeze butter cake?
Yes, butter cake freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cake holds together.
What is the best way to ensure the cake is moist?
To keep your cake moist, be sure not to overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking. Using high-quality butter and fresh eggs will also help achieve a tender, moist texture.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a timeless, versatile dessert that delivers a rich, buttery flavor with a tender, moist crumb. Whether served plain, with a simple glaze, or topped with whipped cream and berries, this classic cake is perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and comfort make it a favorite in homes across generations, offering a delicious, nostalgic treat that never goes out of style!