If you're on the hunt for a cake that's both rich and flavorful, look no further than the Southern Butter Cake. This classic treat is a butter lover's dream, with a tender crumb and a luscious glaze that soaks into every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend bake, this cake is sure to impress.
The magic starts with butter, which provides the cake's rich base and contributes to its tender texture. Next, we have granulated sugar to sweeten the deal and help with the cake's structure. The eggs are crucial for binding everything together and adding richness. A splash of vanilla extract elevates the flavor, giving the cake a warm, inviting aroma. Our dry ingredients — all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt — help the cake rise beautifully and maintain its form. The secret ingredient, buttermilk, adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Finally, the glaze, made with more butter, sugar, and water, turns this cake into a decadent treat, while another touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors.
This Southern Butter Cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delightful on its own with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk.
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. It’s important to have everything ready before you start mixing. Grab your favorite bundt pan and give it a good greasing. This ensures your cake comes out in one beautiful piece.
Now, let's get to the fun part: making the batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture here — it should be pale and airy. Add in your eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a consistent texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that classic, comforting aroma.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly distributed. Gradually add this to your butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. This method helps the batter stay smooth and prevents overmixing.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
When the cake is out of the oven and still warm, use a skewer to poke holes all over. Pour the glaze evenly over the top. It will seep into the cake, adding moisture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it.
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