Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a classic dessert that brings back nostalgic memories for many. This cake is known for its rich buttery flavor and moist texture. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to please every palate.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Old Fashioned Butter Cake is easy and requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The cake’s soft crumb paired with a delicious chocolate frosting makes it a delightful treat. Plus, making a homemade cake can be a fun activity, allowing you to fill your home with the lovely aroma of baking.

How to Make Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine (for frosting)
• 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa (for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/3 cup milk (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 inch by 2 inch baking pans and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla to the bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture for 2 minutes while scraping down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the eggs to the batter and beat for another 2 minutes.
5. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans.
6. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa, then alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating until you reach a spreadable consistency. If needed, add more milk to adjust.
9. Finally, stir in the vanilla and frost your cooled cake with the chocolate frosting.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Butter Cake

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it into squares or wedges and enjoy it plain, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a special treat.

How to Store Old Fashioned Butter Cake

To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Tips to Make Old Fashioned Butter Cake

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin for better mixing.
• Sift the flour, sugar, and cocoa to avoid lumps and to create a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the eggs. Mix until just combined for a fluffy texture.

Variation

You can switch up the frosting by using vanilla frosting instead of chocolate or adding fruit preserves between the layers for extra flavor. Another variation is to add nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in both the cake and the frosting. However, the flavor may change slightly.

2. What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can happen for a few reasons, like overmixing or opening the oven door too soon. Make sure to mix just until combined and check the cakes when baking time is up.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, wrapped tightly, at room temperature. Just frost it before serving.