Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

There are some smells that just instantly transport you back in time, aren’t there? For me, it’s the warm, sweet aroma of butter and vanilla wafting from the oven. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, a place where love was always simmering and a simple slice of cake could solve almost any problem.

She had a knack for making everything feel special, even humble ingredients. This particular recipe, her Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe, is one of those timeless treasures. It’s not fancy; there are no exotic ingredients or complicated techniques.

Instead, it’s pure, unadulterated comfort – a rich, tender crumb, a golden crust, and that unmistakable, deep buttery flavor that only an authentic butter cake can deliver. I’ve shared this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe with my own three kids, and now it’s a favorite in our home, too.

We bake it for birthdays, for quiet Sunday afternoons, or simply when we need a little hug in cake form. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a piece of edible history, a legacy of love, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this truly classic butter cake recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

You need this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe in your life. First and foremost, its simplicity is a gift. You don’t need special equipment or advanced baking skills to achieve perfection with this old fashioned butter cake.

Secondly, the flavor profile is simply divine. It’s rich, buttery, and boasts a delicate sweetness that never overpowers. You get notes of vanilla mingling with the browned butter, creating a symphony for your taste buds.

Furthermore, this butter cake recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain, dress it up with berries, or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

This classic butter cake recipe brings smiles, creates memories, and satisfies that deep craving for something truly comforting. It’s a wonderful reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. Trust me, once you try this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step in making this incredible Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe. You’ll find most of these staples already in your pantry. For the absolute best results, choose high-quality ingredients.

Good butter makes a huge difference in the final flavor of this classic butter cake. Here’s what you need to craft your very own Old Fashioned Butter Cake:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (2 sticks)	Softened, plus extra for greasing
Granulated Sugar	1 ¾ cups	For sweetness and structure
Large Eggs	4	Room temperature is best
All-Purpose Flour	2 ¾ cups	Sifted, for a tender crumb
Baking Powder	1 tablespoon	For lift
Salt	½ teaspoon	Balances flavors
Whole Milk	1 cup	Room temperature
Vanilla Extract	2 teaspoons	Pure vanilla for the best flavor

Ensuring your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature is a crucial pro tip for this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb in your finished butter cake.

Substitutions & Variations

While the traditional Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe is perfect as is, sometimes you want to experiment or make do with what you have. This butter cake recipe is forgiving and adapts beautifully. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Butter: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon. You could also try a high-quality plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version of this butter cake, ensuring it has similar fat content.
• Milk: Any type of milk works here! Skim, 2%, or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk can be used in your Old Fashioned Butter Cake. Just ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Flour: While all-purpose flour provides the classic texture, you can substitute a small portion (up to ¼ cup) with cake flour for an even finer, more delicate crumb. Whole wheat pastry flour might also work for a slightly nuttier flavor, but the texture will be denser.
• Vanilla Extract: Almond extract (½ teaspoon) can add a lovely alternative aroma. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor and those beautiful speckled bits in your Old Fashioned Butter Cake.
• Citrus Zest: For a bright twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the rich butter flavor of this butter cake recipe.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate at the end for a delightful surprise. This simple butter cake recipe can easily become a chocolate chip butter cake!
• Nutty Addition: Lightly toasted and chopped pecans or walnuts (about ½ cup) can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (¼ teaspoon) can elevate the warmth and complexity of your Old Fashioned Butter Cake.
• Glaze: Instead of a simple dusting of powdered sugar, whip up a quick lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) or a simple vanilla bean glaze to drizzle over your cooled butter cake.

Don’t be afraid to make this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe your own. Experimentation is part of the joy of baking!

While the traditional Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe is perfect as is, sometimes you want to experiment or make do with what you have. For a delightful variation, check out our No Bake Lemon Lush Dessert, which offers a refreshing twist on classic flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Following these steps carefully will ensure you achieve a perfect Old Fashioned Butter Cake every time. Remember, patience and proper technique are your best friends when making this classic butter cake.

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This truly helps create the best Old Fashioned Butter Cake.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a 10-inch Bundt pan. Make sure to tap out any excess flour.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents in your butter cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (stand or hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Beat until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for the tender crumb of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe.
4. Add Eggs Gradually: Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the room temperature whole milk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. For instance, add ⅓ of the flour mixture, then ½ of the milk, then another ⅓ of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last ⅓ of the flour mixture.
6. Mix Until Just Combined: Mix only until just combined. Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough butter cake. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; you’ll finish combining by hand.
7. Stir in Vanilla: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Add the vanilla extract and gently fold it into the batter using a spatula. Give the batter a final gentle scrape and stir to ensure no dry pockets remain. Your Old Fashioned Butter Cake batter is now ready.
8. Pour into Pan: Pour the butter cake batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
10. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set.
11. Invert and Finish Cooling: Carefully invert the Old Fashioned Butter Cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned Butter Cake!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe involves a few key details. These pro tips will elevate your baking and ensure a consistently delicious result every time you make this classic butter cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Cold butter, eggs, and milk won’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy batter and a denser, less tender Old Fashioned Butter Cake. Plan ahead and take them out of the fridge at least an hour before baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, making your Old Fashioned Butter Cake tough and chewy instead of tender and moist. Mix until just combined, with no visible streaks of flour. A light hand is best for this simple butter cake recipe.
• Measure Flour Correctly: The “spoon and level” method is crucial. Don’t scoop your measuring cup directly into the flour bag; this compacts it, leading to too much flour. Instead, spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
• Grease and Flour Your Pan Thoroughly: There’s nothing worse than a cake sticking to the pan. Use butter to grease every crevice, then lightly flour, tapping out the excess. For Bundt pans, be extra diligent in greasing all the intricate designs.
• Know Your Oven: Ovens can vary wildly in temperature. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 350°F (175°C). This can greatly impact the baking time and outcome of your Old Fashioned Butter Cake.
• Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to peek during the first 25-30 minutes of baking. Opening the door too soon can cause the Old Fashioned Butter Cake to fall.
• Invest in Good Vanilla: Since butter and vanilla are the stars of this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe, use high-quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or slicing, if possible. Slicing a warm cake can cause it to crumble or compress. This Old Fashioned Butter Cake is still delicious warm, but the texture improves as it cools.

These simple adjustments will make a significant difference in the quality of your Old Fashioned Butter Cake. Happy baking!

Achieving the perfect Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe involves a few key details. To further refine your baking skills, don’t miss our Classic Cream Cheese Cake: Silky, Rich & Southern Perfect! for expert tips and techniques.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Once you’ve baked your delicious Old Fashioned Butter Cake, you’ll want to keep it fresh and moist for as long as possible. Properly storing this classic butter cake ensures every slice is as good as the first.

• Room Temperature Storage: This Old Fashioned Butter Cake stores beautifully at room temperature. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake keeper. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For an unfrosted butter cake, this is the ideal method.
• Refrigeration: While you can refrigerate butter cake, I generally don’t recommend it unless it’s frosted with a perishable frosting. The refrigerator tends to dry out cakes. If you must refrigerate, make sure it’s wrapped very tightly. Bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Freezing: The Old Fashioned Butter Cake freezes exceptionally well! This is perfect for making ahead or saving leftovers. Wrap individual slices or the entire unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, simply thaw the wrapped cake (or slices) at room temperature for several hours or overnight. For a slightly warm butter cake experience, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Following these tips guarantees you’ll enjoy your Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe for days to come, savoring that comforting buttery goodness.

What to Serve With This Recipe

The beauty of an Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe lies in its versatility. It’s fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Think simple, nourishing additions that complement its rich flavor without overpowering it.

• Fresh Berries: A simple scattering of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of seasonal berries adds a lovely tart contrast and a burst of freshness to this classic butter cake.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened with a hint of vanilla, is a perfect, airy companion to the dense, moist crumb of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake.
• Powdered Sugar: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar is the most traditional and elegant finish for this simple butter cake recipe. It adds just a touch more sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Fruit Compote or Sauce: A warm berry compote, a homemade peach sauce, or even a simple apple butter can elevate your Old Fashioned Butter Cake into a delightful dessert.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream or a complementary flavor like caramel or coffee ice cream makes for an indulgent treat. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm butter cake.
• Lemon Curd: The bright, tangy flavor of lemon curd cuts through the richness of the butter cake, creating a harmonious and refreshing combination.
• A Warm Drink: Serve a slice of your Old Fashioned Butter Cake with a hot cup of coffee, a soothing mug of tea, or a glass of cold milk. It’s the ultimate comfort food pairing.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe promises to be a delightful addition to any meal or moment.

The beauty of an Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe lies in its versatility. Enhance your dessert experience by trying our Apple Cider Whoopie Pies – Sweet, Spiced & Irresistible as a delightful accompaniment.

FAQs

What makes this an “Old Fashioned” Butter Cake Recipe?

An Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe typically refers to a simple, classic cake that highlights the rich flavor of butter as its primary ingredient. It often uses straightforward creaming methods and basic pantry staples, resulting in a dense yet tender crumb, a golden crust, and a pure, comforting taste without elaborate frostings or fillings. This particular butter cake recipe stays true to those roots.

Can I make this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt this butter cake recipe to be gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but you can still achieve a delicious Old Fashioned Butter Cake.

How do I know when my Old Fashioned Butter Cake is done baking?

Your Old Fashioned Butter Cake is done when it’s golden brown on top, the edges pull slightly away from the pan, and the center springs back when lightly touched. The most reliable test is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your butter cake is ready. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the Old Fashioned Butter Cake.

Can I use a different size pan for this Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe?

You can, but you may need to adjust baking times. If using two 8-inch round cake pans, divide the batter evenly and bake for 25-35 minutes. For a 9-inch square pan, baking time will be similar to the 9×13, about 30-40 minutes.

Always keep an eye on the cake and use the toothpick test. Adjusting the pan size changes the thickness of the batter, affecting how long your Old Fashioned Butter Cake needs in the oven.

Why did my butter cake turn out dry or crumbly?

A dry or crumbly Old Fashioned Butter Cake usually results from overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or overbaking. Ensure you measure flour correctly (spoon and level), mix only until just combined, and remove the cake from the oven as soon as the toothpick test is passed. Room temperature ingredients also contribute to a moist Old Fashioned Butter Cake.

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a classic dessert known for its rich buttery flavor and simplicity in preparation. This type of cake often evokes nostalgic memories of home baking and family gatherings, making it a cherished recipe for many cake enthusiasts.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe is a treat, meant to be enjoyed. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 12 servings. Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrates	60g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	40g
Protein	6g

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