Yellow Butter Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery yellow cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or teatime, with rich vanilla flavor and a light, fluffy texture.

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
  3. Add well-beaten egg yolks and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
  4. Sift together the cake flour, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the egg yolk mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth batter. If you don’t have cake flour, substitute with all-purpose flour by removing two tablespoons per cup and adding cornstarch. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using almond extract instead of vanilla. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions

This Yellow Butter Cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad like Peach Cup Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more decadent dessert, consider serving with a slice of Miss Jane'S Famous Carrot Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Yellow Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yellow Butter Cake contains roughly 727 calories, with 6g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1963mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

727 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.5g 13% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 87.4g 32% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 15.8g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1963.3mg 85% DV
Potassium 588mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 166.1mg 55% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 9.5mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 183.4mg 14% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit 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 substitute the butter with a different fat?

Yes, you can use margarine or a vegetable oil blend as a substitute for butter. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. For a healthier option, consider using unsweetened applesauce, which adds moisture but will alter the final taste.

What can I do if my cake doesn’t rise?

If your cake doesn't rise, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to flat cakes. Additionally, ensure you didn’t overmix the batter, which can deflate the air you incorporated during creaming. Lastly, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

How can I add flavor variations to this cake?

You can easily add flavor variations to this Yellow Butter Cake by incorporating citrus zest like lemon or orange, or by folding in chocolate chips or nuts. For a different twist, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, or even a layer of fruit preserves between the layers.

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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