Description
This Soft Butter Cake is a classic American dessert known for its tender crumb and rich buttery flavor. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, it’s a versatile cake perfect for any occasion. The cake bakes to a moist, soft texture and can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with fruits and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-mixed batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid over-mixing.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and prevents it from breaking apart.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of softened butter or add a splash of almond extract to the batter.
- This cake can be served plain, with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Soft Butter Cake is an excellent base for layered desserts where you can add fillings and frostings.
