Basic butter cake

Discover the simple joy of making a classic Basic Butter Cake with our easy-to-follow recipe. Just a mix of staple ingredients like butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, self-raising flour, and milk, topped with a delightful powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for any occasion!

  • 13 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 45 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Basic butter cake

Butter cakes are a classic favorite, cherished for their rich flavor and moist texture. This basic butter cake recipe is simple to follow and results in a delicious, buttery cake that can be enjoyed on its own or adorned with your favorite frosting.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp butter
16g
3/4 cup sugar
150g
1 tsp vanilla extract
4g
2 eggs
100g
2 cups self-raising flour
300g
3/4 cup milk (1% fat)
180g
2 cups powdered sugar
320g
1 tbsp water
16g
1 tsp vanilla extract
4g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 tablespoon of butter and 3/4 cup of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well incorporated.
4. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Sift 2 cups of self-raising flour into the mixture and stir to incorporate. Do this gradually, alternating with 3/4 cup of milk (1% fat). Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined; do not over mix.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Icing:
- While the cake is cooling, make the icing. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. You may need to adjust the consistency with a little more water if the icing is too thick.
8. Ice the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing over the top. You can use a spatula for a smooth finish or create decorative swirls.
9. Serve:
- Allow the icing to set for about 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve your basic butter cake with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips:

- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly.

- When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method to avoid packing it down, which can result in a denser cake.

- Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and airy.

- Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of almond extract to the batter.

Now that you’ve baked your basic butter cake, let it cool completely before serving or frosting. Whether you enjoy it plain, or add a layer of your favorite icing, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size140 grams
Energy
Calories 410kcal20%
Protein
Protein 7g5%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 90g25%
Fiber 1.12g3%
Sugar 60g59%
Fat
Fat 3.70g4%
Saturated 1.44g5%
Cholesterol 54mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 50ug6%
Choline 50mg9%
Vitamin B1 0.13mg11%
Vitamin B2 0.10mg7%
Vitamin B3 0.62mg4%
Vitamin B6 0.02mg1%
Vitamin B9 18ug5%
Vitamin B12 0.26ug11%
Vitamin C 0.00mg0%
Vitamin E 0.14mg1%
Vitamin K 0.30ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 44mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.08mg9%
Iron, Fe 0.69mg6%
Magnesium, Mg 18mg4%
Phosphorus, P 100mg8%
Potassium, K 110mg3%
Selenium, Se 12ug22%
Sodium, Na 27mg2%
Zinc, Zn 0.69mg6%
Water
Water 36g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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