Basic Butter Cake
A classic buttery cake with tender crumb and versatile flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, easily customized with your favorite frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix dry ingredients together; add to the creamed mixture.
- Beat for 2 minutes at low speed for the first 1/2 minute.
- Add flour mixture a little at a time; then add milk, vanilla, and 1 egg; beat for 2 minutes.
- Stop mixer, add 3 eggs, and beat for 1 minute at low speed.
- Pour batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch or 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan; spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F until done.
- Spread with favorite frosting or Creamy Deluxe Cream Cheese Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it results in a softer texture. If you don't have vanilla extract, try almond extract for a different flavor. Ensure your butter or margarine is at room temperature for easier creaming. For a fun twist, consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This basic butter cake is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Creamy Deluxe Cream Cheese Frosting for added richness. Serve it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It also makes a great base for layered cakes or can be used in trifles.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Butter Cake contains roughly 430 calories, with 6g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 931mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in equal amounts for a slightly different flavor and texture. Keep in mind that margarine may result in a moister cake compared to butter.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake may be due to underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding extracts like almond or lemon, or incorporating fresh fruits or nuts into the batter. For a unique twist, try mixing in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate variant.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).