
Why Make This Recipe
Soft Butter Cake is a classic dessert that everyone loves. Its light and fluffy texture makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. It’s simple to make and full of rich flavor, making it a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike.
How to Make Soft Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with your favorite icing, dust it with powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain.
How to Serve Soft Butter Cake
You can serve Soft Butter Cake in many ways. Slice it and enjoy it on its own, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple touch. If you want to make it even richer, consider frosting it with buttercream or cream cheese icing. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
How to Store Soft Butter Cake
To store your Soft Butter Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped well in plastic wrap, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Soft Butter Cake
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light.
- Test the cake with a toothpick to check if it’s done. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Variation
You can add different flavors or ingredients to the Soft Butter Cake. For example, try adding lemon zest for a citrus twist, or mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You can also use different extracts, like almond or coconut, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead of time and store it wrapped at room temperature.
Q: What can I do if my cake is dry?
A: Make sure you don’t overbake the cake. Also, adding a simple syrup or frosting can help keep it moist when serving.