Homemade Butter Cake Recipe
A perfect butter cake is the mark of true baking mastery,simple, elegant, and irresistibly rich. This Homemade Butter Cake Recipe celebrates the pure magic of butter, sugar, and eggs coming together in harmony. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and melt-in-the-mouth texture, it’s a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether served plain with tea or layered with frosting for celebrations, this cake is pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange for brightness
- ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty depth
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy release.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale, creamy, and fluffy ,about 3–5 minutes. This step is key for the cake’s tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep the batter smooth and consistent. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This aerates the dry mix and prevents lumps.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed after each addition, just until combined, avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is, dust with powdered sugar, or layer with your favorite frosting.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
Serves 8–10
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
Storage Instructions
Store the butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a light finish.
- Add a layer of lemon glaze or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Transform it into a celebration cake with buttercream or fruit preserves.
- Toast leftover slices and serve with honey or jam for breakfast perfection.
Seasonal Relevance
Butter cake is a year-round favorite. It pairs beautifully with summer berries, autumn apples, or winter citrus zest. Its timeless appeal makes it equally suitable for birthdays, holidays, or quiet weekend baking,truly a classic that never goes out of season.
Conclusion
This Homemade Butter Cake Recipe is simplicity elevated,proof that great baking doesn’t require extravagance, only precision and love for the craft. Its buttery aroma, golden crumb, and nostalgic flavor evoke the essence of home baking at its finest. Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts, this cake is the ultimate celebration of classic technique and timeless taste.
Homemade Butter Cake Recipe
10
servings15
minutes45
minutes420
kcal1
hourThis Homemade Butter Cake Recipe is a timeless classic,soft, buttery, and perfectly golden. With a tender crumb and rich flavor, it’s the kind of cake that never goes out of style. Whether served plain, topped with whipped cream, or layered with frosting, this buttery delight is the ultimate comfort bake for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
½ teaspoon almond extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is or top with your favorite glaze or frosting.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a touch of citrus zest or almond extract.
- Don’t overmix — it can make the cake dense.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cake slices for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
