I have long-time experience baking the traditional butter cake recipe, passed down through generations in my family. This traditional butter cake recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients like real butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and cake flour to create a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
I made this traditional butter cake recipe to keep the legacy alive and bring back the classic taste that modern recipes often forget.
The main specialty of this traditional butter cake recipe lies in its soft crumb and balanced flavor. I will now begin sharing the step-by-step process to guide you through making this timeless recipe.
Traditional butter cake recipe
This Traditional Butter Cake recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, tender cake with a soft crumb.
The process starts by creaming softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps give the traditional butter cake recipe its delicate texture.
Eggs are added one at a time, followed by a careful folding in of cake flour, baking powder, and milk to keep the batter smooth and moist. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making the cake subtly sweet and comforting.
Baked to a golden finish, this traditional butter cake recipe is easy to make and offers a classic taste that feels warm and satisfying with every bite.
How To Prepare Traditional Butter Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert / Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Traditional / Classic American
Yield: about 8 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Spatula
- 9-inch cake pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (315g) cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Traditional Butter Cake Recipe
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then sprinkle a light coating of flour inside to keep the cake from sticking. Set the pan aside while you make the batter.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and smooth — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and helps create a soft cake texture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed before adding the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or mix on low speed just until the batter is smooth and free of flour streaks. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts Of Traditional Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 25g |
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
Trying this traditional butter cake recipe today offers a chance to enjoy a homemade treat that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. This cake’s tender crumb and rich buttery flavor create a comforting dessert that pairs well with tea or coffee.
Baking this traditional butter cake recipe brings a sense of accomplishment and fills your kitchen with inviting warmth. This traditional butter cake recipe delivers classic taste and texture that never disappoints, making it a great choice to try right now.
Why My Recipe Works
My Traditional Butter Cake recipe works because it focuses on key baking techniques and quality ingredients that create a tender, moist cake.
Creaming the butter and sugar properly traps air, which helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture. Using cake flour instead of regular flour ensures a softer crumb.
Adding eggs one at a time helps with even mixing and structure. The balance between dry ingredients and milk keeps the batter smooth and moist without being heavy.
These simple but important steps come together to produce a classic butter cake that is reliably delicious every time.
Health Benefits
Traditional butter cake is a delicious treat, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Here are some health-related points to consider:
➢ The cake provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, which can help fuel your body temporarily.
➢ Eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline.
➢ Butter contains fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, and E in small amounts.
➢ Milk or buttermilk adds calcium, supporting bone health.
➢ However, the cake is also high in sugar and saturated fats, which should be consumed sparingly.
➢ Eating this cake occasionally as part of a balanced diet can satisfy sweet cravings without negatively impacting health.
Ways To Use It
This Traditional Butter Cake can be enjoyed plain, perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy snack. It also makes an excellent base for a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
Cut into squares, it works well for dessert bars or picnic treats. Pair it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
The cake can also be sliced and layered with jam or custard for a quick and tasty treat. Its buttery flavor complements coffee or milk, making it a great choice for any time of day.
When to Serve
This Traditional Butter Cake Recipe is ideal to serve at any casual gathering or family get-together, bringing a warm, homemade touch to the table.
It works wonderfully as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee, providing a comforting bite to brighten the day. The cake also fits well as a simple dessert after dinner, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a light sauce.
It’s a great choice for birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats when you want something classic and satisfying without much fuss. Anytime a sweet, buttery cake is wanted, this Traditional Butter Cake Recipe is ready to shine.
Tips And Tricks
● Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend smoothly, creating a creamy, airy batter that bakes evenly.
● Beat the butter and sugar together for several minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This process traps air, which is essential for a light and tender cake texture.
● Always sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This not only removes lumps but also ensures even distribution of leavening agents, helping the cake rise uniformly.
● When mixing, add the dry ingredients and milk alternately in small batches. This prevents overmixing, which can develop gluten and make the cake dense or tough.
● Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tight crumb and reduce the cake’s tenderness.
● Opening the oven door too soon causes temperature fluctuations that can make the cake sink. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking.
● Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cake set, making it easier to cut clean slices without crumbling.
Personal Touch or Story
The first time I baked a traditional butter cake recipe, the warm, buttery aroma filled my kitchen and instantly brought back memories of my grandmother’s baking.
Watching the cake rise and turn golden was so satisfying. Sharing that simple, tender cake with family made the effort worthwhile. Since then, it’s become a comforting recipe I return to whenever I want a taste of home.
Can I Substitute All-Purpose Flour For Cake Flour?
Yes, you can, but it may slightly affect the cake’s texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which helps create a softer, lighter crumb.
If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute: for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture well before using.
Why Is It Important To Cream The Butter And Sugar Thoroughly?
Creaming the butter and sugar isn’t just about mixing—it’s about incorporating air into the batter. This process helps create a light and fluffy texture in the final cake.
If you don’t cream long enough, the cake might turn out dense or heavy. Beating for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy is key to a good rise and tender crumb.
Can I Bake This Cake In A Different Size Or Shape Of Pan?
Yes, you can use different pans, such as square, round, or even cupcake tins. However, baking time will need to be adjusted based on the size and depth of the pan.
A wider, shallower pan will bake faster, while a deeper one may take longer. Always check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
How Can I Be Sure The Cake Is Fully Baked?
To test if your cake is done, gently insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few tiny crumbs attached, it’s ready.
The top should also spring back lightly when touched, and the edges may start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Avoid opening the oven door too early, as it can cause the cake to sink.
Conclusion
This simple yet delicious cake traditional butter cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, delivering a tender crumb and rich flavor every time.
By carefully creaming the butter and sugar and gently folding the ingredients, you ensure a moist, fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
Whether enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite frosting, this traditional butter cake recipe will impress friends and family alike.
Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll be baking a homemade treat that’s truly delightful and sure to satisfy any sweet craving!
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Classic Paula Deen Butter Cake Recipe
Traditional Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Spatula
- 9-inch cake pan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups 300g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups 315g cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 120ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then sprinkle a light coating of flour inside to keep the cake from sticking. Set the pan aside while you make the batter.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and smooth — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and helps create a soft cake texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to combine fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed before adding the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or mix on low speed just until the batter is smooth and free of flour streaks. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Traditional Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 25g |
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.