Nothing beats the rich, comforting flavor of a classic butter cake, and my recipe brings it to you with a perfectly golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. It’s an easy, no-fuss treat that will fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of butter and sugar.
Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
To make a traditional butter cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your butter cake bakes evenly.
Prepare a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with butter and dusting with flour. Tap out any excess flour to avoid a thick crust forming on your cake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 5 minutes. Proper creaming is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
The mixture may look slightly curdled after adding the eggs, but this will smooth out once the dry ingredients are added.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so it’s important to mix until the batter is smooth but not overly worked.
Step 5: Add the Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Prepared Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes if using round pans or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
If the cake appears to be browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake on a rack ensures even airflow and prevents the cake from becoming soggy at the bottom.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, it’s ready to be frosted or served as is. If you’re using frosting, spread it evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can also add any desired toppings or garnishes.
SEE ALSO: Can I Use Cheese Instead of Butter?
Baking Tips and Techniques
Choosing the Right Butter
Butter is the star ingredient in a butter cake, so it’s essential to choose the right type. Unsalted butter is typically preferred because it allows you to control the salt content in your cake. Additionally, high-quality butter with a high-fat content (around 82%) will give your cake a richer flavor and a more tender crumb. If you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the salt in the recipe by about half a teaspoon to compensate.
Cake Pan Preparation
Properly preparing your cake pan is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked butter cake. Here’s how to do it:
Grease the Pan: Use softened butter or a non-stick cooking spray to grease the entire inside of the pan, including the sides. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it releases cleanly.
Flour the Pan: After greasing, dust the pan with a light coating of flour. Tilt and rotate the pan to ensure all surfaces are covered, then tap out the excess flour. For chocolate cakes, you can use cocoa powder instead of flour to maintain the cake’s rich color.
Cooling and Storage
Proper cooling and storage are key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your butter cake:
Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This initial cooling period helps the cake set, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to three months. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Frosting
A classic buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with a traditional butter cake. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting over your cooled butter cake, and enjoy!
Other Toppings and Garnishes
In addition to frosting, there are several other toppings and garnishes that can elevate your butter cake:
Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives the cake a beautiful, understated finish.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy, delicate topping that complements the dense cake.
Nuts and Shavings: Toasted nuts or chocolate shavings can add texture and flavor, making each bite more interesting.
Conclusion
A traditional butter cake is a timeless classic that brings together the rich, buttery flavors that have been loved for generations. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of care, anyone can bake a perfect butter cake. Whether you enjoy it plain, frosted, or adorned with your favorite toppings, this cake is sure to delight.By mastering the baking techniques, and experimenting with variations, you can create a butter cake that not only tastes delicious but also holds a special place in your culinary repertoire. Happy baking!
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