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Easy Old-Fashioned Butter Cake

A simple, buttery cake that brings back childhood memories, perfect for any occasion with its tender crumb and warm vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened Use good butter for the best flavor.
  • 1.25 cups Granulated sugar Sweet, but not too sweet.
  • 3 large Eggs, at room temperature Ensures better mixing.
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled Cake flour can be used for extra tenderness.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder Leavening agent for the cake.
  • a small pinch Fine salt
  • 3/4 cup Whole milk, room temperature Use for easier mixing.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Use real vanilla for best flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan well, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly grease again.
  2. Make sure your butter is perfectly softened, and your eggs and milk are at room temperature.
Batter Preparation
  1. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts. Start with dry, then milk, then dry, then milk, and finish with dry.
  4. Mix on low until just combined for a smooth, thick batter.
Baking
  1. Scoop the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and tap the pan on the counter to pop large air bubbles.
  2. Bake for 28 to 35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
Cooling
  1. Cool in the pan for 12 to 15 minutes, then loosen the edges with a knife and turn out onto a cooling rack.
  2. Peel off the parchment and let cool completely before slicing or frosting.

Notes

This cake is versatile and can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with fruit and whipped cream. It stores well at room temperature for 1-2 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.