Standard Butter Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A classic and moist butter cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts. Its rich buttery flavor is complemented by sweet vanilla and light, airy egg whites. Suitable for all ages, it can be customized with your favorite frosting or fillings for a personalized touch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 eggs, separated

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and well beaten egg yolks, and beat until combined.
  3. Add milk and flour alternately, mixing gently.
  4. Fold in beaten egg whites until just incorporated.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix gently.
  6. Pour batter into greased and floured cake pans.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool and top with your favorite frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to the batter. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per cup. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation, which can enhance the cake's texture. This cake pairs beautifully with Easy-Do Sweet Dough for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

This butter cake is versatile and can be served plain or topped with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream or cream cheese. For a delightful twist, serve it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings or weekend brunch.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For reheating, simply slice and microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Standard Butter Cake contains roughly 605 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value).

605 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 20.8g 27% DV
Carbs 75g 27% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 175.7mg 8% DV
Potassium 455.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 204.8mg 68% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 7.6mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 150.7mg 12% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
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?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may vary. Butter provides a richer taste and moisture, while margarine can sometimes lead to a slightly denser cake. If using margarine, choose a stick variety for the best results.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your butter cake, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. You can also incorporate extracts like almond or coconut for a different twist. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also complement the cake beautifully.

Is it possible to make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just ensure it's completely cooled before wrapping it and storing it properly. If you plan to frost it later, wait until the cake is cooled and stored to avoid sogginess from the frosting.

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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