What makes a classic old fashioned butter cake truly unforgettable? It’s the rich flavor of real butter and the simplicity of a homemade recipe that’s both easy and rewarding to make. With just a few quality ingredients like buttermilk and pure vanilla, you can create a moist and tender dessert perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering. Save this idea for a deliciously comforting treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Introduction

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of traditional baking with its rich, velvety texture and deep, satisfying flavor. This cake is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, everyday ingredients come together in perfect harmony. With its ease of preparation, impressive results, and the endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a delightful treat that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Its classic appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering or special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The Old Fashioned Butter Cake achieves a perfect balance of flavors thanks to the combination of high-quality butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. These ingredients are not only easily accessible but also provide a solid foundation for the cake’s moist and tender crumb.
• Ease of preparation: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With straightforward instructions and a minimal list of ingredients, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for bakers of all skill levels.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake yields impressive results. The combination of ingredients and the straightforward preparation process ensure that the cake turns out light, fluffy, and full of flavor, with a beautiful golden crust that adds to its visual appeal.

Key Ingredients

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its distinctive flavor and texture. These include high-quality unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pure vanilla extract. Substitutions can be made where necessary, such as using salted butter and omitting the added salt, or replacing granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. However, it’s worth noting that using high-quality ingredients will result in the best flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting them with flour. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: 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. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix the batter, as this will help the cake to mix smoothly and evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a smooth batter.
• Don’t open the oven door during the baking time, as this can cause the cakes to sink or not bake evenly.

Heat Control

For the Old Fashioned Butter Cake, it’s crucial to maintain the right oven temperature to ensure that the cake bakes evenly and thoroughly. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the cakes should be baked for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. If not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is characterized by its tender crumb and delicate texture. To achieve this, it’s essential to not overmix the batter and to not overbake the cakes. The cakes should be lightly golden on top and should spring back when pressed gently in the center. Avoiding overbaking will help maintain the cake’s moisture and tenderness.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother mixing process and a more even bake.
• Don’t overbeat the butter and sugar, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to a cake that sinks or doesn’t bake evenly.
• Rotate the cake pans halfway through the baking time to ensure that the cakes bake evenly and have a uniform color.

Storage Tips

• The Old Fashioned Butter Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
• When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent drying out the cake. A short burst in the microwave or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven should suffice.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake makes a wonderful gift, especially when beautifully packaged. Consider placing a cooled cake in a decorative tin or wrapping it in colorful paper or fabric. A ribbon or gift tag can add a personal touch. For a more rustic look, the cake can be wrapped in parchment paper and twine. Whatever the packaging, the cake is sure to be appreciated for its delicious flavor and thoughtful presentation.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can give the cake a unique and intriguing flavor profile.
• Creative toppings: The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a versatile canvas for various toppings, such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate glaze, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• Ingredient swaps: Substituting almond flour for some of the all-purpose flour can add a nutty flavor, or using different types of milk (like almond or soy milk) can cater to dietary preferences.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, it could be a result of overbaking.
• Ingredient replacements: When substituting ingredients, consider their properties and how they might affect the final product. For example, using a different type of sugar could change the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking, and check it frequently towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean for a perfectly baked cake.

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 when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the traditional recipe includes all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as substitutes, though this may affect the texture and flavor.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure that you have enough pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a recipe that stands the test of time, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures that is sure to please. With its straightforward preparation and impressive results, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the world of baking. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!