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
Scale
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
