Here’s a classic, moist Butter Cake recipe with step-by-step instructions. This is a simple cake that’s perfect for birthdays, tea time, or any occasion.
Classic Butter Cake (Step-by-Step)
🧈 Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan (or 2 8-inch round pans)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your pan(s) with butter or nonstick spray and lightly dust with flour.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- This incorporates air, which makes the cake soft.
Step 3: Add Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to mix evenly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts:
- Add 1/3 flour, mix lightly
- Add ½ milk, mix
- Repeat until all flour and milk are added
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the cake tender.
Step 6: Pour into Pan
- Pour batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C):
- 9×13-inch pan: 35–40 minutes
- 8-inch round pans: 25–30 minutes
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Step 8: Cool
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from pan and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Optional Frosting Ideas
- Classic vanilla buttercream
- Chocolate ganache
- Whipped cream with fresh fruit
Tips for a Perfect Butter Cake
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
- Don’t open the oven too early; it can make the cake sink.
- You can add a teaspoon of almond extract for extra flavor.
If you want, I can also give you a super-moist version that stays soft for days—it’s perfect for birthdays or parties. Do you want me to share that?