This Mom’s Best Vanilla Butter Cake is a timeless classic, perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat at home. With a buttery, moist crumb and a rich vanilla flavor, this cake is simple yet absolutely delicious. The recipe is easy to follow and uses basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This vanilla butter cake can be served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with your favorite frosting for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether it’s for a birthday, a family gathering, or a special dessert after dinner, this cake will make any occasion memorable.
The secret to this cake’s amazing texture is the perfect combination of butter and sugar, which is creamed together until light and fluffy, creating an airy structure. The result is a soft, tender cake that melts in your mouth.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy cake 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 as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth, even batter and results in a better texture.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar well is key to creating a light, fluffy cake. Beat until the mixture is pale in color and has increased in volume.
- Cake Pans: Grease and flour your cake pans well to prevent sticking, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add the zest of 2 lemons to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Almond Butter Cake: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun and delicious chocolate twist.
- Frosting Options: Top the cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple vanilla buttercream for added sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw the layers before frosting.
This Mom’s Best Vanilla Butter Cake is a classic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a decadent frosting, this cake is always a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of a homemade vanilla butter cake that’s been a family favorite for generations!