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!

  • 01 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.

More recipes

Honey-cinnamon banana oat cookies

Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, they offer a satisfying and nutritious bite.

30 Apr 2025

Homemade cheesy potato gems

Discover the perfect comfort food with our Homemade Cheesy Potato Gems recipe! Featuring tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of butter, these delicious bites are an easy-to-make snack or side dish that the whole family will love.

10 May 2025

Crispy buttermilk chicken

Perfect for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner.

24 May 2025

Lemon blueberry poke cake

Perfect for any occasion.

13 Mar 2025

Smoky bbq volcano potatoes with cheddar cheese and sour cream

Ready in no time, these cheesy, spicy, and savory potatoes will be a hit with the whole family.

09 Apr 2025

Chicken breasts with mushroom cream sauce

Perfect for a comforting dinner.

13 Apr 2025

Treacle tart

Easy-to-follow instructions ensure a delectable pie that everyone will love.

12 Apr 2025

Warm apple-banana oatmeal bowl

Ready in minutes.

08 Mar 2025

Posts