Description
This classic Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe delivers a rich, moist, and tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this comforting butter cake boasts a tender crumb and buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, or as a delightful dessert, this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature before you begin.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking and to allow for easy removal after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth and homogenous batter.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement, mixing until evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition just until incorporated, to maintain a tender crumb.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This helps the cake set and enhances texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best creaming results.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid a dense cake.
- Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
