Grandma'S Buttermilk Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, tender buttermilk cake with delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings or teatime, combining classic ingredients for a nostalgic baking experience.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites; gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla, then set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until well combined and fluffy.
  3. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Fold in flour and soda, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
  5. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar). This cake can also be flavored with lemon zest for a citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful buttermilk cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Robbie's Blackberry Cobbler for a delicious dessert spread. For a delightful afternoon treat, serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Buttermilk Cake contains roughly 357 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.

357 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 16.9g 22% DV
Carbs 23.2g 8% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 6.9g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 74.4mg 3% DV
Potassium 219.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 86.5mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 71.7mg 6% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. However, avoid using whole wheat flour as it may alter the cake's density and flavor. If you're looking for gluten-free options, almond flour can be considered, but adjustments in liquid may be necessary.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake may indicate that it was underbaked or that the batter was overmixed. To prevent this, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and check the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done. Avoid overmixing after adding the egg whites.

How can I add more flavor to this cake?

In addition to vanilla extract, you can experiment with almond extract or citrus zest like lemon or orange for added flavor. For more complexity, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which can enhance the overall taste of the cake.

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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