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!
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups self-raising flour
3/4 cup milk (1% fat)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp water
1 tsp vanilla extract
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.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well incorporated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 per serving
8 ServingsCalories 410kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 1.12g
Sugar 60g
Fat 3.70g
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