Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Savor the Richness of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Relish a timeless recipe that brings back memories in every buttery bite. The Old Fashioned Butter Cake offers a velvety texture and classic flavor that few desserts can match. Whether you bake it for a cozy afternoon tea or a special gathering, this cake never disappoints. It blends simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable.

Why Choose an Old Fashioned Butter Cake?

This cake stands apart due to its rich butteriness and softly crumbed crumb structure. Moreover, it is versatile enough to pair with fruit compote, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. Because the recipe is forgiving, even novice bakers can achieve excellent results. As you'll see later, poking holes to drizzle glaze ensures extra moistness and flavor. Thus, it's an ideal dessert when you want both elegance and ease.

Pro Tips for Mastering Your Old Fashioned Butter Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Aid Mixing: Make sure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature so the batter binds smoothly.
2. Slowly Cream Butter and Sugar: First, beat butter and sugar gradually; afterward stop only when light and fluffy.
3. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: When adding flour mixture and buttermilk, alternate them to preserve texture.
4. Don’t Overmix: Stop as soon as ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
5. Use a Bundt Pan with Care: Grease thoroughly and dust with flour so cake releases cleanly.
6. Poke Holes While Warm: Use a straw or skewer to allow glaze penetration.
7. Drizzle Gently: Let the glaze seep slowly into the holes for deep flavor.
8. Cool Then Serve: Let the cake cool entirely before inverting it onto a rack or plate.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 1 hour
• Servings: About 10–12 slices
• Equipment: Bundt pan, mixing bowl or stand mixer, saucepan, skewer or straw, cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Mexican vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the Glaze:

• ⅓ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 165°C). Grease the bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour.
2. Mix Cake Batter: In a stand mixer or bowl, blend the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Next, stir in buttermilk and Mexican vanilla.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Then gradually add dry mix to the wet batter, stirring just until smooth and uniform.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for about one hour, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, heat the butter, sugar, Mexican vanilla, and water in a small saucepan. Warm until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly. Do not let it boil.
6. Poke Holes & Drizzle: When the cake is still in its pan and warm, poke holes all over using a straw or skewer. Then slowly pour the glaze over the cake so it seeps into the holes.
7. Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool completely. Finally, invert the cake onto a plate or rack before serving.

Serving and Variations of the Old Fashioned Butter Cake

This Old Fashioned Butter Cake shines when served plain, but you can also dress it up. For instance, top it with berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Alternatively, pair a slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you wish, add citrus zest—like lemon or orange—to the batter for a subtle twist. Meanwhile, the glaze can be bumped up with a splash of liqueur or espresso for a more adult touch.

Tips to Ensure Success with Your Old Fashioned Butter Cake

• Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.
• Use good quality butter and vanilla for the richest flavor.
• Avoid opening the oven in the first 45 minutes to prevent collapsing.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven is uneven.
• If the cake edges brown too fast, cover lightly with foil mid-bake.

Why This Is a Great Classic Cake

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake owes its enduring popularity to its simplicity and stability. Because of its solid structure, it's easy to slice and present. In contrast to fragile sponge cakes, this one holds up well, making it suitable for celebrations. Moreover, the glaze technique hydrates the interior—so you never end up with a dry crumb. As a result, guests often ask for seconds and recipe copies.

More Baking Inspiration While You Bake

While you wait for your cake to bake or cool, you might explore some inspiring recipes. For example, you could pair a slice of this cake with a side of candied carrots in a spring menu. (Check out this candied carrots recipe: https://lindacooking.com/candied-carrots/.) Or, plan your next dessert using a bundt-focused dessert from this bundt cake breakfast idea: https://lindacooking.com/bundt-cake-breakfast/. If you enjoy casseroles one evening, you might try a savory dish later: https://lindacooking.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole-with-potatoes/. And for a delightful breakfast treat, see the sticky bun breakfast ring: https://lindacooking.com/sticky-bun-breakfast-ring/. Finally, satisfy your craving for fresh bread with a no-knead loaf: https://lindacooking.com/easy-dutch-oven-no-knead-bread/.

Final Thoughts on Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Your Old Fashioned Butter Cake is more than a dessert: it’s tradition in a dish. With a buttery crumb, sweet glaze, and classic technique, this cake will stand out. Whether you bake it for family, holidays, or cozy weekends, it offers a nostalgic, satisfying treat. Enjoy each slice warm or at room temperature. Serve it proudly—and watch it vanish piece by piece.

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