Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender and airy cake, so take your time with it.

3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise evenly.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk, then another third of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the flour. Mix each addition just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

6. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes (if using two pans) or 45-50 minutes (if using one pan). To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Buttercream Frosting (Optional):

• While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple buttercream frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until fluffy.

8. Assemble and Serve:

• Once the cake has completely cooled, frost it with the buttercream frosting, if desired. You can spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula or pipe it on for a more decorative finish.
• Slice and serve this delightful cake as a perfect treat for afternoon tea, birthdays, or just because you deserve something sweet.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This ensures the ingredients mix evenly and create a smooth batter.
• Flavor Variations: While this Old-Fashioned Butter Cake is delicious on its own, you can add a variety of flavors to customize it. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract, lemon zest, or even a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a different twist.
• Decoration Ideas: If you’re not keen on frosting, this cake is also delicious when simply dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or a few sprigs of mint.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted it, refrigerate it to keep the buttercream fresh for a longer period.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

The Old-Fashioned Butter Cake is the epitome of comfort food—rich, buttery, and utterly satisfying. Its simplicity is what makes it so special. The texture is light yet dense enough to hold its own with a dollop of frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

This cake has a timeless quality to it. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner, a celebration, or just a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this Old-Fashioned Butter Cake never fails to impress. It’s a classic that you’ll return to time and time again, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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With its irresistible buttery flavor and tender crumb, this Old-Fashioned Butter Cake will bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with a cup of tea or as the centerpiece of a birthday celebration, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Simple to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for any occasion—this cake is a true classic that deserves a spot in your recipe collection!