Traditional Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

Old fashioned butter cake recipe is a rich, moist, and tender classic I’ve baked more times than I can count. My Baking Addiction brought me back to this comforting dessert.

This old fashioned butter cake recipe is deeply delicious, with that golden crust and soft center that always brings smiles. I made this butter cake because I craved something nostalgic.

Over time, I’ve baked old fashioned butter cake recipe in both traditional bakery style and added my own twist, adjusting flavor and texture slightly.

Now I’m here to walk through my trusted steps, sharing exactly how I bring this timeless old fashioned butter cake recipe to life in my own kitchen.

Traditional Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

The traditional old fashioned butter cake recipe has a deep, rich buttery flavor that melts on the tongue. It’s sweet, but not overly so, allowing the golden notes of the butter to shine through.

The texture is moist yet tender, with a fine crumb that feels soft and comforting in every bite. There’s gentle warmth from the vanilla, and a lightness from the eggs and milk that keeps it from feeling too dense.

Simple, honest, and nostalgic this old fashioned butter cake recipe tastes like something lovingly made in a home kitchen, just like it used to be.

How To Prepare Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Yield: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American, Traditional

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 2 mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (one 9×13-inch)
• Wire cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one 9×13-inch pan, tapping out the excess flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution and a light texture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the mixture emulsify and gives the cake its richness. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Milk and Flour

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results. This helps them blend smoothly and gives the cake an even texture. Do not over mix the batter once the flour is added, or your cake may turn out dense.

This butter cake is perfect as a base for layered cakes or to enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a glaze.

Nutrition Facts Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	410
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbohydrates	52g
Dietary Fiber	0.7g
Sugars	30g
Protein	5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This old fashioned butter cake recipe offers a rich, buttery flavor that feels comforting and familiar. The cake stays moist and tender, creating a delightful texture that invites seconds.

Using basic ingredients that are easy to find makes the baking process approachable. The gentle vanilla aroma adds warmth, enhancing the overall taste without being too strong.

This old fashioned butter cake recipe delivers a classic dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth, making it a favorite to enjoy on its own or paired with a light glaze or fresh fruit. It’s a timeless treat that never disappoints.

Why My Recipe Works

My old fashioned butter cake recipe works because it focuses on simple, quality ingredients combined with careful mixing techniques that create the perfect texture.

Softened butter and room-temperature eggs help the batter come together smoothly, resulting in a tender crumb. The balance of leavening agents ensures the cake rises evenly without collapsing.

Alternating dry ingredients and milk keeps the batter light while maintaining moisture. Taking the time to cream the butter and sugar well adds air, making the cake fluffy yet rich. This approach consistently produces a reliable, delicious butter cake every time.

What To Serve Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe With

Old fashioned butter cake recipe goes well alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing its buttery texture. A light glaze, such as lemon or vanilla drizzle, adds a gentle touch of sweetness.

Warm caramel or chocolate sauce creates a rich, indulgent pairing. Serving it with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy, comforting experience.

This old fashioned butter cake recipe also stands nicely on its own, letting the buttery flavor shine through without distractions.

Essential Health Benefits

Old fashioned butter cake recipe provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, which help fuel the body. Eggs add protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.

Butter supplies fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E, important for skin and immune health. Whole milk contributes calcium and vitamin D, supporting strong bones.

While this old fashioned butter cake recipe is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it offers some nutrients alongside its rich flavor, making it a satisfying occasional indulgence that can fit into a balanced diet.

Expert Baking Tips

1. Always use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk. This helps them blend smoothly and creates a better texture.

2. Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy; this incorporates air and makes the cake tender.

3. Measure flour carefully too much can make the cake dry. Spoon it into the cup and level it off rather than scooping directly.

4. Add dry ingredients gradually, alternating with milk, to avoid over mixing and keep the batter light.

5. Preheat the oven fully before baking so the cake rises evenly.

6. Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Additions And Variations

➤ Toasted Nuts: Gently fold in about a half cup of toasted pecans or walnuts to add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the buttery cake. Toasting the nuts first enhances their aroma and brings out deeper taste notes.

➤ Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Incorporate half a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the batter. This addition adds extra moisture and a slight tang, making the cake incredibly tender and giving it a subtle richness that keeps it fresh longer.

➤ Mini Chocolate Chips: Mix in half a cup of mini chocolate chips to introduce pockets of melty sweetness throughout the cake. The chocolate contrasts beautifully with the buttery base, making each bite feel indulgent without overpowering the classic flavor.

➤ Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a fragrant, nutty aroma that transforms the cake’s flavor profile. The almond essence adds a sophisticated twist while still keeping the cake soft and comforting.

➤ Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a fresh, zesty note that brightens the richness of the butter cake. The citrus oils add a subtle zing and a refreshing lift, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Storage Instructions

Store the old fashioned butter cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist and fresh for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze. The old fashioned butter cake recipe can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Avoid refrigerating the cake uncovered, as this will cause it to dry out quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I truly enjoyed making this old fashioned butter cake recipe because of how delicious and comforting it turned out. The simple steps made the process easy, and the results were a moist, buttery cake that everyone loved.

I’m confident that if you try my easy method, you’ll find success without any trouble. This old fashioned butter cake recipe brings classic flavors together in a way that feels homemade and satisfying.

Give it a try you’ll enjoy the baking experience and the wonderful old fashioned butter cake recipe that comes from it just as much as I did.

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