A Timeless Treasure of a Cake
This Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a true culinary gem, discovered in a 1910 McCall’s cookbook. Its simplicity and classic flavor have stood the test of time, delivering a moist, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake requires only basic pantry ingredients but tastes like a bakery masterpiece. The creamed butter and sugar give it a tender crumb, while the alternating addition of flour and milk ensures a soft, evenly baked texture. This is the kind of cake that brings nostalgia with every bite and becomes a family favorite instantly.
ADVERTISEMENT
How to Bake the Perfect Old Fashioned Butter Cake
The key to success is proper creaming of butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a soft cake. Adding eggs one at a time ensures smooth texture without overmixing. Alternating dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) with milk allows the batter to remain light and even. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan, which helps the cake bake evenly. Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the center for doneness. Once baked, cool slightly before removing from the pan to maintain its structure and softness.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
This classic butter cake can be dressed up in many ways. Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish, frost with buttercream or cream cheese frosting for celebrations, or serve with fresh fruit for a lighter touch. For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with cream. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures a smooth, lump-free batter. Slice and enjoy with tea or coffee, or turn it into a layered cake for special occasions. This Old Fashioned Butter Cake proves that timeless recipes don’t need fancy ingredients to deliver unforgettable taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add alternately with milk to the creamed mixture, mixing gently. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Prepare Pan and Bake
Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Nutrition (per slice, 12 servings)
- Calories: ~330
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
Old Fashioned Butter Cake
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Can I use a different pan?
You can use a 9×13-inch pan, but baking time may need adjustment. Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes.
3. How do I keep the cake moist?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter. Avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick.
4. Can I frost this cake?
Yes! Classic options include buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Can I add flavors or fillings?
Absolutely. Try lemon zest, cocoa powder, or fresh fruit layers to customize your cake.