What makes a classic butter cake truly unforgettable? It all starts with rich, creamy butter and a hint of vanilla, combined in a simple yet decadent homemade recipe that’s perfect for a quick family dessert or easy weeknight treat. Save this idea for a delicious weeknight dinner staple to enjoy with your loved ones.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Introduction

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a timeless classic that embodies the warmth and simplicity of traditional baking. This recipe stands out for its ease of preparation, the richness of its flavor, and the creativity it allows with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is sure to become a favorite, offering a moist, tender crumb and a buttery flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward preparation and the impressive results it yields with minimal effort, making it perfect for special occasions or a simple family dessert.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both rich and light. The ingredients are easily accessible, making this cake a practical choice for any baker.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in making the Old Fashioned Butter Cake are straightforward and easy to follow, requiring no specialized baking skills. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a quick, yet impressive, dessert.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake presents beautifully and tastes divine, making it perfect for entertaining or as a centerpiece for any meal. The effort required to make this cake is minimal compared to the praise and satisfaction it generates.

Key Ingredients

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake relies on basic baking ingredients, including high-quality butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pure vanilla extract. For those looking for substitutions, using browned butter instead of regular butter can add a nutty flavor, while substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with cake flour can result in a tenderer crumb. Additionally, for a different twist, various extracts like almond or lemon can be used in place of vanilla.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease the pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily once baked.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air and ensures the cake will be light and tender. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with a portion of the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.

Handy Tips

• Always use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, as this ensures they mix smoothly and evenly, contributing to a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a smooth batter.
• For an extra moist cake, try adding a teaspoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. This adds moisture and tenderness to the final product.

Heat Control

When baking the Old Fashioned Butter Cake, it’s crucial to maintain the correct oven temperature. An oven that’s too hot can cause the cake to burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked on the inside, while an oven that’s too cool can result in a cake that doesn’t bake properly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. The cakes are done when they’re golden brown, spring back when pressed gently, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake should have a tender crumb and a lightly golden, crisp crust. To achieve this, ensure you don’t overbake the cake. The cake is done when it’s just set and still slightly tender in the center. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly texture instead of the desired moistness. If you prefer a crunchier exterior, you can try baking the cake for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure your cake layers are even, try using a scale to divide the batter evenly between the two pans. This step may seem tedious, but it results in cakes that are perfectly uniform and easier to stack and frost.
• For a professional finish, once your cakes are completely cool, you can use a serrated knife to level them, if necessary, and then frost and decorate. Leveling the cakes ensures they stack evenly and provide a smooth surface for frosting.
• Cleanup can be made easier by preparing all your ingredients and tools before starting. This includes having your mixing bowls, utensils, and ingredients measured out and ready to use, reducing the chaos of baking and making the process more enjoyable.

Storage Tips

• The Old Fashioned Butter Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• When reheating, let the cake come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave or oven. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
• For the best flavor and texture, store the cake in an airtight container. This keeps the cake fresh by preventing air, moisture, and other flavors from affecting it.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake makes a wonderful gift, especially when beautifully packaged. Consider placing a cooled cake in a decorative tin or cake box, wrapped in a ribbon or twine. For a more rustic look, you can wrap the cake in parchment paper or a tea towel and tie with twine. Adding a handwritten note or a small bouquet of flowers can make the gift even more special and personalized.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of traditional frosting, top your cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different types of sugar or milk to change the flavor profile of the cake.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together for a lighter texture. If the cake is too dry, it could be overbaked; check your oven temperature and baking time.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, there are often substitutions you can make. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover the top with foil to prevent overbrowning. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe is not gluten-free, but you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly; a larger cake will take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a recipe that stands the test of time, offering a delicious, moist, and tender dessert that is sure to please any crowd. With its straightforward preparation and the flexibility to adapt and personalize, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dessert or a simple family treat, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake is an excellent choice. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that only a homemade cake can bring.