Good Times Butter Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery layer cake with tender crumb and classic vanilla flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, appealing to those who love rich, sweet desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup soft butter
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups sifted cake flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Butter and flour three 8-inch, 1 1/2-inch layer pans.
  3. Combine softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
  4. Beat the mixture for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  5. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  7. Beat on low speed until the batter is smooth.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and adding cornstarch. Watch the baking time closely; if using darker pans, reduce baking time slightly to avoid over-browning. For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

This butter cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of Kid'S Ice Cream for a classic dessert. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added sweetness. It can also be layered with frosting or whipped cream for a more decadent treat. Consider enjoying it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until just heated through, ensuring it remains moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Good Times Butter Cake contains roughly 352 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

352 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 823mg 36% DV
Potassium 419.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 156.1mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 10.1mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 187.3mg 14% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Use the same amount of margarine as the butter called for in the recipe. If possible, choose a high-quality margarine for the best results.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking regularly. The edges should also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Can I freeze the butter cake for later use?

Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

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).

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