If you’re looking for a cake that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone asking for the recipe, look no further. The famous butter cake has become a classic treat that’s adored for its moist, tender crumb and rich flavor. It’s a perfect dessert to serve at any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings—and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a dessert that rivals any bakery’s offerings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients and Quantities:
250g all-purpose flour: The foundation of this cake, all-purpose flour provides the right structure for the cake, giving it a light and airy texture.
200g caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves quickly in the batter, ensuring that the cake is sweet without being overly sugary.
200g unsalted butter: Unsalted butter is essential to control the amount of salt in the cake. It adds richness and flavor, making the cake incredibly moist and tender.
3 large eggs (80g each): Eggs not only bind the ingredients together but also contribute to the cake’s texture, making it light and fluffy.
1.5 tsp vanilla essence: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note to the cake, elevating the overall flavor and enhancing the sweetness.
1 1/4 tsp baking powder (7g): The baking powder helps the cake rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
1/2 cup lite milk (100g): The milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the batter, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender while baking.
Preparation:
Preheat your oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly. Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper, or simply butter the pan and lightly dust with flour.
Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a soft, tender cake. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or you can also use a whisk if you don’t have a mixer.
Add the eggs and vanilla:
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl, checking for any shell pieces. Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs evenly. Add the vanilla essence and mix until everything is well combined. You’ll notice that the batter should start becoming smooth and slightly thick.
Sift the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, contributing to the cake’s lightness.
Combine the dry and wet ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a small amount of the flour mixture, then add a bit of milk, mixing gently with a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Continue alternating between the dry ingredients and milk until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as this can result in a denser cake.
Pour the batter into the pan:
Once the batter is smooth and well combined, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake the cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to start checking the cake around the 25-minute mark.
Cool and serve:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy in the pan. Once fully cooled, you can slice it and serve. If you like, dust the top with a little powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Tips for Success:
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This ensures that they incorporate smoothly and evenly into the batter, preventing any lumps or curdling.
Don’t overmix the batter: While it’s tempting to mix the batter until smooth, overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until all the ingredients are combined.
Test the cake for doneness: To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready.
Add variations: You can get creative with this butter cake by adding flavorings or toppings. Consider adding lemon zest for a citrus twist or folding in chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic: Serve the cake as is with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
With fresh fruit: Top the cake with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cake.
With whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each slice adds a light and airy contrast to the dense, moist cake.
With ice cream or custard: For an indulgent dessert, pair the butter cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich custard sauce.
Layered cake: If you prefer a layered cake, slice the cake into two layers and add a filling of your choice, such as whipped cream or jam, between the layers.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Conclusion:
This butter cake recipe truly lives up to its reputation of being irresistibly delicious and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, but the result is a rich, decadent cake that’s sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Try it today, and prepare to be amazed by its buttery, soft perfection!
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