What makes a classic dessert truly unforgettable? This old fashioned butter cake is a masterclass in simplicity, with rich, creamy butter and a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for any homemade gathering or family favorite treat. Moist and tender, it’s an easy recipe to make using basic ingredients like real butter and sugar. Save this idea for your next special occasion.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Introduction

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a classic dessert that embodies the essence of traditional baking. This moist and flavorful cake is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a truly decadent treat. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, this cake is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and preparation time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious and impressive dessert without breaking a sweat.

Why This Works

• The perfect balance of flavors and textures, combined with the accessibility of the ingredients, makes this cake a standout. The use of high-quality butter, pure vanilla extract, and farm-fresh eggs ensures a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
• The ease of preparation is another major advantage of this recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful, golden-brown cake ready to be devoured. The straightforward instructions and minimal ingredient list make it easy to follow along and achieve impressive results.
• Despite its simplicity, this cake is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. The combination of the tender crumb, the crunchy butter and sugar topping, and the sweet, caramelized edges creates a truly show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.

Key Ingredients

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature flavor and texture. These include:

High-quality, salted butter: This is the star of the show, providing the rich, creamy flavor that defines this cake. Look for European-style or cultured butter for the best results.

Granulated sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. You can also use brown sugar or turbinado sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Large eggs: Farm-fresh eggs are essential for creating a moist, tender crumb. Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.

Pure vanilla extract: This adds a deep, creamy flavor that complements the butter perfectly. Look for high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best results.

All-purpose flour: This provides the structure and texture for the cake. You can also use cake flour or bread flour for slightly different results.

Practical substitutions can be made for some of these ingredients, such as using margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, or substituting almond extract for vanilla. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the final flavor and texture of the cake.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and any other dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the eggs and butter, for the best results. This will ensure that the cake mixes smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• Use high-quality ingredients, including real butter and pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t open the oven door during the baking time, as this can cause the cakes to sink or not cook evenly.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the Old Fashioned Butter Cake is 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that the cake cooks evenly and doesn’t burn or overcook. The baking time will depend on the size of your cakes and your oven, but as a general rule, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.

Signs of doneness include a golden-brown color, a firm texture, and a clean toothpick. If you’re unsure, you can always check the cake after 20 minutes and then every 5 minutes thereafter until it’s done.

Crunch Factor

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is known for its tender crumb and crunchy, caramelized edges. To achieve this, make sure to not overmix the batter, and don’t overbake the cake. A light, gentle touch when mixing and handling the cake will help preserve the delicate texture.

The crunchy edges are a result of the butter and sugar topping, which caramelizes during baking. To enhance this effect, you can sprinkle a pinch of granulated sugar over the top of the cake before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients for the most accurate results.
• Make sure to sift your flour and other dry ingredients to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing.
• Use a high-quality, non-stick cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking and to make removal easier.
• Don’t overbake the cake, as this can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Instead, aim for a moist, tender crumb that’s still slightly firm to the touch.

Storage Tips

• Store the cake at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Reheat the cake in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to restore the fresh-baked flavor and texture.
• Use an airtight container to store the cake, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a beautiful and delicious gift for friends and family. To package it nicely, consider the following ideas:

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie with a ribbon or twine.

Place the cake in a decorative tin or container, such as a vintage cake pan or a wooden crate.

Top the cake with a decorative glaze or frosting, such as a powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting.

Include a handwritten note or card with the gift, such as a recipe card or a personalized message.

Flavor Variations

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Try using different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the cake.

Troubleshooting

• If the cake is too dense or dry, try adding more liquid to the batter or reducing the baking time.
• If the cake is too wet or soggy, try reducing the liquid in the batter or increasing the baking time.
• If the cake doesn’t rise properly, try checking the expiration date of your baking powder or baking soda, or make sure you’re using the right type of flour.
• If the cake has a strange flavor or texture, try checking the quality of your ingredients or the accuracy of your measurements.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting gluten-free flours, such as almond flour or coconut flour, for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe can be doubled or tripled to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that the baking time may be longer for a larger cake.

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a classic dessert that’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort and preparation time. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!

Feel free to experiment with different flavor variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy baking!