Butter Cake

4.54 from 926 votes
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Rich, soft, moist, and fluffy, this easy butter cake recipe is a classic dessert you'll want to make again and again. It's simple yet irresistibly delicious, so you can enjoy it on special occasions or on a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea.

Slices of butter cake in a basket.
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Traditional Butter Cake Recipe

I’m sure most people have had some form of butter cake in their lives—whether it’s that homemade treat from grandma’s kitchen, a slice from the local bakery, or even a boxed mix from the grocery store.

But making it homemade from scratch is a whole different experience. And honestly, this is probably the best butter cake recipe you’ll ever come across online! It’s been tried, tested, and loved by thousands of readers worldwide, with over 900 votes and an average rating of 4.5.

“AMAZING and by far the best recipe found so far… Tested it twice and being a huge fan of ‘great butter cake,’ this thing was phenomenal… Follow the instructions exactly, this baker knows what they are doing!”

– Five Star Monkey

What Is The Difference Between Butter Cake And Pound Cake

Think of butter cake as a close cousin to pound cake. They have a rich, buttery flavor and dense texture, perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea.

Both use similar ingredients, including baking powder as a leavening agent and sometimes milk. The main difference between them is the ratio of the main ingredients.

Pound cake gets its name from the traditional recipe that calls for one pound each of butter, flour, and sugar. Butter cake, on the other hand, has more butter and sugar, giving it a richer flavor and fluffier texture than pound cake.

Read more about these two types of cake from Tasting Table.


Butter Cake Ingredients

Ingredients for plain butter cake recipe.
  • butter – I like to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt.
  • flour – you can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. But you can also use cake flour, which has a lower protein content, for a lighter and more tender texture.
  • sugar – granulated sugar is my go-to as it creams well with the butter. But you can also add brown sugar for a deep, caramel-like flavor.
  • eggs – bring eggs to room temperature to ensure even mixing with butter and sugar.
  • yogurt or milk – adds a lot of moisture that helps to make the cake tender. I like to use plain yogurt, but you can also use milk, buttermilk, or sour cream.
  • baking powder – helps the cake rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
  • vanilla extract – a must for adding flavor so use a good quality one. You can either use pure extract or vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.

Want something rich and chocolatey? Make a batch of my Marble Cake recipe.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.


Recipe Variations

  • Fudgy and chocolatey. Make a Brownie Butter Cake by topping a rich, dense brownie bottom with a light, moist butter cake.
  • Nutty. Mix ground walnuts into the batter and sprinkle some whole ones on top for a Walnut Butter Cake.
  • Raisins. Load up your cake with sweet raisins with this Raisin Butter Cake recipe.
  • Blueberry. Bake some Blueberry Butter Cake and enjoy a nice pop of color and flavor in every bite.
  • Brandy-flavored with prunes. Bake a delicious Brandy Butter Cake with Prunes with a splash of brandy and some dried prunes.

How To Make Butter Cake

If you’re thinking of making a homemade cake, you can’t go wrong with this simple butter cake recipe. Perfect for novice bakers, everything from prep to baking is done in just an hour!

This traditional butter cake recipe gives you a soft, buttery cake that tastes wonderful even without frosting or glaze. So it’s perfect for those who prefer a cake with just the right amount of sweetness.

Here’s how you can make a super moist butter cake loaf at home:

All dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your pan with some butter. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together, then sieve them. Add in a pinch of salt and mix it all up. Set that aside for now.

Pro tip: You can use an 8×8-inch (20×20-cm) loaf pan or a 9×9-inch (23×23-cm) square or round pan, depending on what you have on hand.

Using a stand mixer to mix the ingredients.

Grab an electric hand mixer or stand mixer and beat the butter and sugar together until well combined and light in color—about 3 minutes.

All the ingredients mixed together before baking.

Add in the first egg and mix well. Beat until creamy—about 1 to 2 minutes after each egg. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Add in the vanilla extract and mix again. Next, fold in the flour mixture and mix well. Then add in some plain yogurt or whole milk to the batter.

The butter cake after removing it from the oven.

Pour the batter into your greased baking pan and give it a little shake to even it out. Bake until golden brown and cooked through—about 40 to 50 minutes. If the top of the cake is getting too brown, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil once the top is set.

To check if it’s done, use a cake tester, toothpick, or skewer—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Cutting the Butter Cake into slices.

Let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, then cut into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy!

Butter cake is best when it’s served warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, wrap them up in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them from drying out. You can also store them in an airtight container.

To enjoy the leftovers, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up. If you have a toaster oven, that’s a great way to heat it up too. Easy and delicious!


Helpful Tips For Home Bakers

A piece of plain butter cake.
  • I always bring my ingredients to room temperature so they blend smoothly and evenly. It really helps achieve that soft, light, and fluffy texture we all want. And trust me, I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes!
  • I always use high-quality butter to get the best flavor and texture. In the U.S., I love using Challenge unsalted butter, and in Asia, I recommend the Anchor brand.
  • For a smoother batter, I prefer using a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
  • I never forget to sift the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) to prevent any lumps.
  • I make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, so the cake doesn’t turn out dense.
  • Instead of milk, I prefer yogurt because it makes the cake extra soft and moist.
  • To avoid over-browning the top of the cake, I cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil halfway through baking. Just remember NOT TO COVER it from the start (or when the batter goes into the oven), or it won’t rise properly.
  • If I do cover with foil, I make sure it doesn’t touch the batter so the smooth top isn’t ruined once it’s fully baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does butter cake need to be refrigerated?

No, butter cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. DO NOT freeze the cake as it won’t retain its texture and flavor after thawing.

Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?

Yes, you can use sour cream as a substitute for yogurt in this recipe. It’s less tangy than yogurt, but it still has a lot of moisture and richness that makes the cake extra light and fluffy.

Can I add berries to the cake?

Yes, you can! Adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter will give your plain cake a burst of fruity flavor. You can also add dried fruits such as raisins and prunes.

How many calories per serving?

This recipe has only 287 calories per slice.

Small pieces of butter cake.

What To Serve With Plain Butter Cake

I love having a slice of this moist butter cake with a cup of coffee or tea as a mid-day treat. And sometimes, I even have a little bite after dinner to satisfy my sweet tooth.

If you’re having an afternoon tea party, I recommend the following recipes.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for new updates.


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4.54 from 926 votes

Butter Cake (The Best!)

Rich, soft, moist, and fluffy, this easy butter cake recipe is a classic dessert you'll want to make again and again. It's simple yet irresistibly delicious, so you can enjoy it on special occasions or on a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
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Ingredients  

  • 7 oz. (200g) cake flour , or all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 sticks (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 7 oz. (200g) sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons plain yogurt , preferred or full milk

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the pan with some butter. Mix the flour and the baking powder together and sieve. Add in the salt and mix well. Set aside.
    Pro tip: You can either use an 8×8-inch (20×20-cm) loaf pan or a 9×9-inch (23×23-cm) square or round pan.
  • Use an electronic hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until well combined or pale yellow in color, about 3 minutes.
  • Add in the first egg. Beat well after each addition of egg until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes after adding each egg. Scrape down the sides for even mixing. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the flour and mix well. Add in the plain yogurt or whole milk.
  • Pour the batter into the greased baking pan. Shake it lightly to distribute the cake batter evenly. Bake until golden brown and cooked, about 40 – 50 minutes. To prevent the top of the cake from over browning, cover the top of the baking pan with a sheet of aluminum foil once the cake top is set. Use a cake tester to test doneness.
    Pro tip: If you don’t have a cake tester, you can use a toothpick or a skewer to check the doneness of your cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
  • Remove it from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut into pieces and serve warm.

Video

Notes

Recipe is adapted from Food4Tots.
  • I always bring my ingredients to room temperature so they blend smoothly and evenly. It really helps achieve that soft, light, and fluffy texture we all want. And trust me, I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes!
  • I always use high-quality butter to get the best flavor and texture. In the U.S., I love using Challenge unsalted butter, and in Asia, I recommend the Anchor brand.
  • For a smoother batter, I prefer using a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
  • I never forget to sift the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) to prevent any lumps.
  • I make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, so the cake doesn’t turn out dense.
  • Instead of milk, I prefer yogurt because it makes the cake extra soft and moist.
  • To avoid over-browning the top of the cake, I cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil halfway through baking. Just remember NOT TO COVER it from the start (or when the batter goes into the oven), or it won’t rise properly.
  • If I do cover with foil, I make sure it doesn’t touch the batter so the smooth top isn’t ruined once it’s fully baked.

Nutrition

Serving: 12slices, Calories: 287kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 103mg, Sodium: 162mg, Potassium: 55mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 568IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please rate and comment below!

About Rasa Malaysia

Bee is a recipe developer and best-selling cookbook author, sharing easy, quick, and delicious Asian and American recipes since 2006. With a strong following of almost 2 million fans online, her expertise has been featured in major publications, TV and radio programs, and live cooking demos throughout the United States and Asia.

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663 Comments

  1. Misty says:

    You should just say 225g butter instead of 2 sticks- otherwise a pretty foolproof recipe.

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Misty, the recipe card clearly stated it as 2 sticks (225 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature. Didn’t you see??!!

      1. Shana says:

        Hi Ms Bee :)
        If I want to bake it as cupcakes, will the temp and time be the same ?

        1. Bee Yinn Low says:

          Yes temp is the same but might be 30 minutes for cupcakes.

  2. Laura says:

    Can this be made using a 9×13 pan? Maybe double the recipe? My FIL talks about a butter cake his mom made & it was the 9×13 size & I want it to be the same!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      You can try.

  3. Nikki says:

    Hi Bee! I love this recipe Soo soooo much ! It reminds me of my fav butter cake which my aunt used to buy whenever we visit her.
    By the way if I would use a 12-cup muffin tin for this batter, may I know how long should I bake them for and at what temperature to ensure the same moist texture I get from the loaf tin? Many thanks !

  4. Mary Dusatko says:

    Absolutely delicious and very addictive! This tastes like butter cookies in cake form.

  5. Jason says:

    Hi- can the batter be made ahead of time?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Not advisable. Just bake right away.

  6. raul says:

    any adjustments if i use a 7×11 pan?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      No.

  7. Joyce says:

    Do I need to on the fan? If so, can I know the temp? Thanks

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      No.

  8. Mariam says:

    Hi. This is one of the best butter cake I have tried and it’s a huge hit among my friends and family circle. Fool proof ..
    Can you let me know how much does this cake receipe weigh?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Thanks. Not sure about the weight!

    2. Kw says:

      Yumm …perfect…tastes better than the storebought cake.I used brown sugar .

  9. Aimi says:

    I used this recipe just now because I had a very bad butter cake craving coming home from work. I can say that this is the first time that my butter cake turns out beautiful and fluffy. Well, minus the slightly extra brown crust (lol). Thanks Bee

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Awesome, this is the best butter cake recipe you will find online!

  10. Mariyani Sulong says:

    I bake the cake..it comes out beautiful and good…thk u..

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Thanks!