Everyday Butter Cake

Introduction

Everyday Butter Cake is the quintessential, no-fuss dessert that brightens up any occasion. It’s a simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile cake that’s perfect for enjoying any day of the week. The rich, buttery flavor, combined with a tender, moist crumb, makes it an irresistible treat that’s as satisfying on its own as it is adorned with your favorite toppings.

This cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory. I grew up with my grandmother making a version of this cake every Sunday. The aroma of vanilla and butter filling the kitchen always signaled that something special was in the works. It’s a cake that brings people together, whether for a birthday celebration, a casual gathering, or simply a quiet moment of indulgence.

What makes this Everyday Butter Cake so appealing is its simplicity. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Yet, the result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s far from ordinary. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel good, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Perfect for:

• Weekday Desserts
• Birthday Celebrations
• Afternoon Tea
• Potlucks
• Holiday Gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Everyday Butter Cake

Here’s why this Everyday Butter Cake will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Simple Elegance: It’s a classic cake that’s easy to make but tastes incredibly delicious.
• Moist and Tender: The high butter content ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Versatile Flavor: The buttery vanilla base pairs well with a wide variety of toppings and frostings.
• Comforting Aroma: The smell of this cake baking is pure bliss, filling your home with a warm, inviting scent.
• Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe is straightforward and yields consistent results.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Everyday Butter Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb and distinct buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moist texture.
• Large Eggs: Add structure, richness, and leavening, ensuring a light and airy cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure and stability.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the cake, helping it rise and become light and fluffy.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Everyday Butter Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and Flour Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (or a 9-inch round or square pan) with butter or baking spray. Dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

1. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

1. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:

1. Alternate Addition: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients in three additions and the milk in two additions. For example: add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the milk, then 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining 1/2 of the milk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients.
2. Mix Until Just Combined: Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

Bake the Cake:

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake:

1. Cool in Pan: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Everyday Butter Cake

Everyday Butter Cake can be served in various ways to elevate its presentation and flavor:

• Simple Slice: Enjoy a slice of the cake plain, showcasing its buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Fresh Fruit and Cream: Top with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or other seasonal fruits, and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle with a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent treat.
• Lemon Glaze: Glaze with a tangy lemon glaze for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Caramel Sauce and Nuts: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted nuts for a crunchy, sweet combination.
• As a Base for Desserts: Use the cake as a base for trifles, parfaits, or other layered desserts.
• Warm with Custard: Serve warm slices of the cake with a side of creamy custard for a comforting dessert.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Birthday Cake: Frost with your favorite frosting and decorate for a special occasion.

Additional Tips for Everyday Butter Cake

Follow these tips for the best Everyday Butter Cake:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure the correct proportions of ingredients. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and makes it easier to handle the cake.
• Store Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and moist.

Recipe Variations for Everyday Butter Cake

Here are 10 variations to customize your Everyday Butter Cake:

1. Lemon Butter Cake: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Orange Butter Cake: Substitute orange zest and juice for lemon for a different citrus twist.
3. Almond Butter Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty flavor.
4. Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
5. Cinnamon Swirl Butter Cake: Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and swirl it into the batter before baking.
6. Marble Butter Cake: Divide the batter in half. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one half and swirl it into the other half before baking.
7. Coconut Butter Cake: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
8. Spice Butter Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor.
9. Berry Butter Cake: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) to the batter before baking.
10. Coffee Butter Cake: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of hot water and add it to the batter for a coffee-infused flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Everyday Butter Cake

• Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep it moist, you can also store it in the refrigerator, but it may become slightly drier.

Special Equipment for Everyday Butter Cake

Here are some items that make preparing Everyday Butter Cake easier:

1. Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar and mixing the batter.
2. Mixing Bowls: Used for combining wet and dry ingredients.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements of ingredients.
4. 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Provides the ideal size and shape for baking the cake (alternatively, a 9-inch round or square pan can be used).
5. Parchment Paper: To line the bottom of the pan to help prevent sticking.
6. Wire Rack: For cooling the cake after baking.
7. Rubber Spatula: For scraping the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
8. Whisk: For combining dry ingredients.
9. Oven Thermometer: To ensure accurate oven temperature.
10. Cake Tester or Toothpick: To check for doneness.

FAQ Section for Everyday Butter Cake

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
2. Can I use a different type of flour?
   All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can also use cake flour for an even more tender cake.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Be sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free.
4. Can I use a different type of milk?
   Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk.
5. Why did my cake come out dry?
   Overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough butter can cause a dry cake. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and check for doneness with a cake tester.
6. Why did my cake sink in the middle?
   Underbaking, opening the oven door too frequently, or using too much leavening agent (baking powder) can cause a cake to sink.
7. Can I add frosting to this cake?
   Yes, this cake is delicious with a variety of frostings, such as vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or cream cheese frosting.
8. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
9. Can I add nuts to this cake?
   Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
10. Is this cake suitable for layering?
    Yes, this cake can be sliced and used for layered cakes with frosting and fillings.

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Conclusion for Everyday Butter Cake

Everyday Butter Cake is a classic, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a reliable recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. The rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb of this cake are sure to delight, whether enjoyed plain or adorned with your favorite toppings.

What makes this cake truly special is its versatility. From a simple slice with a dusting of powdered sugar to a decadent layered cake with frosting and fillings, the possibilities are endless. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity, allowing you to customize it to suit your personal taste and preferences.

Ideal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or special celebrations, Everyday Butter Cake will quickly become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. I encourage you to try this delightful recipe and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own! Enjoy every satisfying bite!