There's nothing quite like the rich, buttery aroma of a classic Butter Cake baking in the oven. With its golden crust and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to birthday celebrations.

I first fell in love with this recipe after tasting a slice at my grandmother’s kitchen table. The simplicity of its ingredients and the depth of its flavor make it a go-to treat in my household. It’s the kind of cake that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Why You'll Love This Butter Cake

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Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade cake. This Butter Cake is a foolproof recipe that delivers a rich, buttery flavor with minimal effort.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a straightforward mixing process, even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results.

It’s also versatile. Enjoy it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a decadent glaze.

And let’s not forget its perfect texture—moist and tender with just the right amount of crumb. Every bite is a delightful balance of lightness and richness.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Butter Cake is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Butter Cake lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Butter is the star of the show. For the best results, use unsalted, high-quality butter. It gives the cake its signature richness and velvety texture. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.

Sugar provides the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create a light, tender crumb. Granulated sugar works best for this recipe, as it blends seamlessly with the butter.

Eggs add structure and moisture, making the cake light yet rich. Using room-temperature eggs helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter.

Flour is the foundation of the cake. All-purpose flour works perfectly, but for an even finer crumb, you can substitute with cake flour.

Baking powder ensures the cake rises beautifully. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.

Milk adds moisture and softness. Whole milk is preferred, but you can use buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and a cake pan. A little patience and a love for baking are all you really need!

How To Make This Butter Cake

Creating this classic Butter Cake is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect cake every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan to prevent sticking. This ensures a smooth release once the cake is baked.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a light and tender cake. Use an electric mixer and beat for about 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a stable and well-incorporated batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown crust and a tender crumb.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures the perfect texture.

Storage Options

Proper storage ensures your Butter Cake stays fresh and delicious for days.

To keep it at room temperature, store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in a tightly wrapped container for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you’d like to freeze it, wrap the cake (whole or in slices) in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their freshly baked softness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Butter Cake is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few fun variations to try.

For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter. This adds a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter.

If you love chocolate, stir in chocolate chips or swirl melted chocolate into the batter before baking for a marble effect.

For a nutty touch, fold in chopped almonds or pecans. They add a pleasant crunch and extra depth of flavor.

Want a dairy-free version? Substitute butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.

For an even richer cake, swap the milk for heavy cream or buttermilk. This enhances the moisture and gives the cake a more luxurious texture.

No matter how you customize it, this Butter Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Have fun experimenting and enjoy every buttery bite!