Old-Fashioned Butter Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you’re yearning for a simple yet satisfying dessert that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen, this Old-Fashioned Butter Cake is your ticket. It's a rich, buttery delight that promises comfort in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is as timeless as it is tasty.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Butter Cake

Butter: The star of the show, providing richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming with sugar. Sugar: This sweetens the cake while giving it a tender crumb. Eggs: They add structure and richness to the cake. Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its body. Baking powder: A small amount helps the cake rise just enough. Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing out the sweetness. Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note. Whole milk: This adds moisture and helps create a luscious texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, use room temperature ingredients; they mix more evenly.
  • Don’t rush the creaming process. Air incorporated during this step helps the cake rise.
  • If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can jazz it up with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a touch of elegance. It’s also wonderful with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bit of extra sweetness. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, a side of fresh fruit will complement it nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to omit the added salt to balance the flavor.
How should I store this cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Old-Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan to make sure your cake doesn’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes of beating. Add your eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures everything is well combined before mixing with the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture. Alternate with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This alternating technique helps keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Perfectly buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile enough to dress up or enjoy plain.
  • Great texture that stays moist for days.
  • Easy enough for novice bakers, impressive enough for experts.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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