If you’re looking for a cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Soft Butter Cake Recipe is the one you need to try. Its tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and delicate vanilla notes make it a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a soft, moist texture and that classic buttery taste you love.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of richness and moisture in the cake.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps lighten the texture when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature: Provide structure and a tender crumb while helping the cake rise.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the cake its body.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the cake to ensure it’s soft and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature: Adds moisture and richness, contributing to the soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic notes to the cake.
How to Make Soft Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is key for a tender cake crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Incorporate the eggs slowly, adding them one at a time while beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs fully blend into the mix and supports the cake’s structure without deflating the batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, preventing uneven pockets of baking powder or salt in your cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Alternately
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Stir in the Vanilla
Gently fold in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting flavor that makes this Soft Butter Cake Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Soft Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines on its own, but adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate it into something truly special. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add bright bursts of flavor and beautiful color.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your slice of Soft Butter Cake Recipe into a fuller dessert experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of homemade fruit compote. A cup of rich coffee or soothing tea complements the cake’s buttery notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruits for a show-stopping layered cake. Alternatively, cut it into mini squares and serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for bite-sized treats that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it soft for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as this can dry out the cake.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and cooled Soft Butter Cake Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake. Unsalted butter helps control the overall salt content better.
What makes this cake so soft compared to other butter cakes?
The combination of creaming the butter and sugar well and alternating dry ingredients with milk keeps the batter light and moist, giving the cake its signature soft texture.
Can I substitute whole milk with another type of milk?
Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep it at room temperature for better mixing.
Is this Soft Butter Cake Recipe suitable for layering?
Absolutely! Its sturdy yet soft crumb makes it perfect for layered cakes with your favorite frostings and fillings.
How do I avoid the cake drying out?
Be careful not to overbake and store the cake properly in an airtight container. Adding a simple syrup to brush over the layers can also keep it moist if you’re making a multi-layer dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Butter Cake Recipe is a true gem that captures the pure joy of baking and sharing something simple yet utterly delightful. With its tender crumb and inviting buttery flavor, it’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for any day you want to feel a little extra special. I encourage you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Soft Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Soft Butter Cake is a classic American dessert featuring a moist and tender crumb, enhanced by rich butter and pure vanilla extract. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, it’s an easy-to-make cake ideal for celebrations or a comforting treat. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to deliver a soft, flavorful cake that pairs wonderfully with berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Butter Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a soft texture.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and to maintain the batter’s smooth consistency.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour to guarantee uniform rising.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir gently to combine after each addition without overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a denser cake.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting, preventing sogginess and helping maintain the cake’s texture.
Notes
- For an extra moist texture, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese; this adds richness and a slight tang.
- This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream or simply dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate better mixing and even baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
