Classic Southern Butter Cake Recipe

Butter cake is a quintessential Southern treat, known for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Classic Southern Butter Cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the baking process, let’s ensure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand:

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Southern Butter Cake

1. Preparing the Oven

The first step in making a successful butter cake is ensuring that your oven is properly preheated. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will create the perfect environment for your cake to rise evenly and bake to a golden perfection.

2. Greasing the Baking Pan

To prevent your cake from sticking, it’s crucial to properly prepare your baking pans. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. This step ensures that your cake will release effortlessly from the pan, resulting in clean edges and a flawless presentation.

3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar

The foundation of any great butter cake is the creamed butter and sugar. Using a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. The key to a tender crumb lies in this step—ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved and the butter is well-aerated.

4. Incorporating the Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mixture is perfectly creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth, cohesive batter. Finally, add the 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the buttery flavor of the cake.

5. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these ingredients helps to aerate the flour and ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and salt. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform rise and a tender crumb in your final cake.

6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your wet and dry ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth, thick, and velvety.

7. Pouring the Batter and Baking

Now that your batter is ready, evenly distribute it into the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.

8. Cooling and Serving

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cake to set, making it easier to handle. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake on a wire rack prevents condensation from forming, which could make the cake soggy.

Once cooled, your Classic Southern Butter Cake is ready to serve. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this cake is sure to delight with its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.