Easy Butter Cake Recipe – Moist, Buttery, and Irresistible! ( 15Min )

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There’s something magical about a classic butter cake—its rich flavor, soft crumb, and that irresistible buttery aroma that fills the kitchen. This Easy Butter Cake Recipe is everything you want in a homemade dessert: simple, foolproof, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Butter Cake

  • Classic and comforting – This cake has a nostalgic homemade taste that everyone loves
  • Easy to make – No fancy techniques or complicated ingredients required
  • Moist and tender – Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, eggs, and milk
  • Versatile – Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a glaze

What Does Butter Cake Taste Like?

If you love the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a pound cake but want something lighter, this butter cake is for you. It has a delicate crumb, a buttery sweetness, and just the right amount of vanilla flavor. The glaze seeps into the cake, adding an extra layer of moisture and flavor!

Ingredients for Easy Butter Cake

Easy Butter Cake

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

For the Glaze

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
  • Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

  • Milk: You can swap whole milk for buttermilk or half-and-half for extra richness
  • Flour: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for an even softer texture
  • Flavor variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a twist
  • Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture

How to Make Easy Butter Cake

Easy Butter Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step helps create a tender cake

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, melt the butter and water together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until combined, then remove from heat

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the surface with a toothpick or skewer. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, letting it soak in. Allow the cake to cool before slicing

What to Serve with Butter Cake

  • A dusting of powdered sugar – For a simple, elegant touch
  • Fresh berries and whipped cream – The perfect balance of richness and freshness
  • Vanilla ice cream – Because warm butter cake with melting ice cream is pure bliss
  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce – For an extra indulgent treat

Pro Tips for the Best Butter Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the batter mix more evenly and creates a smoother texture
  • Cream the butter and sugar well – This step is crucial for a light and fluffy cake
  • Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined
  • Check for doneness – Every oven is different, so start checking at the 30-minute mark
  • Let the cake absorb the glaze – Poking holes in the cake ensures the glaze seeps in beautifully

How to Store Butter Cake

  • Room temperature: Keep covered for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week
  • Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving
Easy Butter Cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stays fresh for days, making it perfect for make-ahead baking. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge

Can I turn this into a layered cake?

Absolutely! You can divide the batter into two 9-inch round cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! A hand mixer works just fine, or you can mix it by hand with a sturdy whisk (though it will take more effort)

Can I skip the glaze?

Of course! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra moisture and flavor

Final Thoughts – You Need to Try This Butter Cake!

If you’re looking for a go-to cake recipe that’s simple, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Butter Cake is a must-bake. The combination of a soft, fluffy crumb and a rich buttery flavor makes it perfect for any occasion. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection

If you make this cake, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your creation on Pinterest

More Delicious Cakes and Breads to Try

Happy baking! 🎂✨

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Easy Butter Cake

Easy Butter Cake Recipe – Moist, Buttery, and Irresistible!


  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Butter Cake Recipe is rich, buttery, and irresistibly soft with a delicate crumb. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a foolproof classic that’s perfect for any occasion. A light vanilla flavor and a luscious buttery glaze make every bite melt in your mouth! Serve it plain, with fresh berries, or alongside a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

For the Glaze

 

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract
  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in three additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined
  • Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  • While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and water together. Stir until combined and remove from heat
  • Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the surface with a toothpick or skewer. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in

 

  • Let the cake cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For an extra moist cake, swap whole milk for buttermilk
  • To make a layered butter cake, divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes
  • This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle!

 

  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter cake, easy butter cake, homemade butter cake, classic butter cake, moist butter cake

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