Butter cake is a classic, rich, and tender cake that gets its flavor and structure from — you guessed it — butter! It’s the base for many other cakes (like pound cake, marble cake, or layered birthday cakes). Here’s a simple, delicious recipe for a traditional butter cake:
🍰 Classic Butter Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
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1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
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2 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, room temperature
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2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square cake pan.
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Cream Butter & Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together with an electric mixer for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs
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Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Add vanilla extract and mix again.
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Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients
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Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (start and end with flour).
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Mix gently until smooth—don’t overmix!
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Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with frosting or fruit.
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💡 Optional Variations
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Lemon Butter Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and replace 2 tbsp milk with lemon juice.
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Marble Cake: Swirl in melted chocolate or cocoa batter before baking.
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Butter Cake with Frosting: Top with vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache.
Would you like me to give you a frosting recipe or a layered version of this cake next?
