To make a classic butter cake, begin by preheating the oven and greasing your pan. Cream room-temperature butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, finishing with flour. Add vanilla and mix until just combined, pour batter into the pan, and bake at 350 F for 50-60 minutes. Let the cake cool, then enjoy with toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they're light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
- Proper creaming is key to a light and fluffy cake texture, as it incorporates air into the batter.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- After adding all the eggs, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps prevent lumps and evenly distributes the baking powder and salt.
- Set the dry ingredients aside until ready to use.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then add half of the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Continue adding the remaining flour and milk in two more additions, ending with the flour mixture. Do not overmix; overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract
- Add the vanilla extract and mix just until incorporated. The batter should be smooth but avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake texture.
Step 7: Pour Batter into the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary based on your oven, so check at around 50 minutes.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries!
Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix only until each ingredient is incorporated to keep the cake light.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade butter cake perfectly soft, buttery, and delicious.