Butter cake is a classic dessert that is beloved for its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this butter cake recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results every time. Perfect for any occasion, this cake can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful treat!
Key Takeaways
- Assemble every one of your fixings prior to beginning to guarantee a smooth baking interaction.
- Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for a light and fluffy cake.
- Make sure to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- The butter glaze adds an extra layer of richness and moisture to the cake.
- Store the cake properly to maintain its freshness and enjoy it for days.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. This ensures you have everything on hand and makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. A well-prepared baker is a successful baker! Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful butter cake recipe.
Butter and Sugar
The foundation of any good butter cake is, of course, the butter and sugar. You’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
Make sure the butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. The sugar adds pleasantness and assists with making a delicate piece
Eggs and Vanilla
Next up are the eggs and vanilla. These ingredients add richness and flavor to your cake. You’ll need:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
The eggs should also be at room temperature. This helps them to incorporate more easily into the batter. The vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the butter and sugar perfectly.
Dry Ingredients
Finally, you’ll need your dry ingredients. These provide structure and stability to your cake. Gather the following:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure they are well combined and free of lumps. This will help your cake to rise evenly and have a smooth texture.
With all your ingredients gathered and prepped, you’re ready to move on to the next step: mixing the batter. Happy baking!
Mixing the Batter
Creaming Butter and Sugar
The first step in mixing the batter is creaming the butter and sugar together. This process is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. Start by ensuring your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly and will result in a dense cake. Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Don’t rush this step; the more air you incorporate, the better your cake will be.
Adding Eggs
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. Make sure your eggs are also at room temperature to prevent the batter from splitting. Add the eggs each in turn, beating great after every option. This guarantees that the eggs are completely integrated into the hitter. If you add the eggs too quickly, the batter may split, but don’t worry. If this happens, you can add a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. In a different bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Overmixing at this stage can result in a tough cake, so mix until the ingredients are just combined. Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, and you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Baking the Cake
Preparing the Pan
Before you even think about mixing the batter, make sure your pan is ready to go. A well-prepared pan can make all the difference in how your cake turns out. Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray. Then, lightly dust it with flour to ensure that your cake will come out easily after baking. This step is crucial to avoid any sticking, which can ruin the presentation of your classic butter cake.
Baking Time
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform bake. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 65–75 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. A toothpick embedded into the middle ought to tell the truth when the cake is finished. If it comes out with batter on it, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Checking for Doneness
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. Assuming that it confesses all, your cake is prepared. If not, let it bake for a few more minutes and test again. Once finished, eliminate the cake from the broiler and let it cool in the search for gold for 10–15 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Pro Tip: Poke holes all over the warm cake using a knife and pour the glaze evenly on the cake while still in the pan. This will allow the glaze to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Making the Butter Glaze
Melting the Butter
To start off, you’ll need to melt the butter. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and let it melt over medium heat.Try to mix every so often to keep it from consuming. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your butter glaze.
Adding Sugar and Water
Once the butter is melted, it’s time to add the sugar and water. Gradually add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to the melted butter. Mix the blend persistently until the sugar is completely broken down. This will create a smooth and slightly thickened mixture. If you find that the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Finishing with Vanilla
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This will give your glaze a rich and aromatic flavor. Make sure to mix it well so that the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the glaze. Once done, your butter glaze is ready to be poured over your cake. This glaze not only adds a delicious flavor but also gives your cake a beautiful, shiny finish.
Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Fruit
Butter cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit. The light, fluffy texture of the cake complements the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. You can serve the cake with a simple fruit salad on the side or even layer the fruit on top of the cake for a more elegant presentation. This combination not only adds a burst of color to your dessert table but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery flavor of the cake.
With Ice Cream
For those who love a classic dessert combination, serving butter cake with a scoop of ice cream is a must. Vanilla ice cream is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other flavors like chocolate, caramel, or even fruit sorbets. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream melts into the warm, soft cake, creating a delightful mix of temperatures and flavors. This is a perfect option for a summer dessert or a special treat for kids.
As a Tea Cake
Butter cake is also an excellent choice for a tea-time treat. Its simple yet rich flavor makes it a versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. You can serve it with a selection of teas, from classic black tea to herbal blends, or even with a cup of coffee. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze on top of the cake. This makes it a perfect addition to any afternoon tea party or casual get-together.
Storing Your Butter Cake
Room Temperature
When it comes to storing your butter cake at room temperature, the key is to keep it moist and fresh. To do this, you can easily wrap your cake in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container. This method will keep your cake delicious for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep your cake in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
If you need to store your butter cake for a bit longer, refrigeration is the way to go. Ensure you wrap the butter cake with foil or plastic wrap and then pop it into an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out in the fridge. This will extend the cake’s shelf life by a few more days. Just remember to let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Tips
Yes, you can freeze your butter cake! This is a great option if you want to keep it for an extended period. Simply bake, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. If the slices have been cut, you can put them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then pull them out and let them come to room temperature or warm in the oven a bit before serving.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A simple, yet incredibly delicious butter cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and glazes to make it your own. If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below and let’s share some baking love! Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use salted butter if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the overall taste of the cake.
The recipe calls for granulated sugar for both the cake batter and the butter glaze. Powdered sugar can be used as a garnish.
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk. However, buttermilk adds a unique tanginess and helps in making the cake moist.
You can check for doneness by embedding a toothpick into the focal point of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
You can store the butter cake at room temperature for a couple of days, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
