Butter Cake Recipe | Easy Homemade How to Make

Butter cake recipe is a timeless classic in the world of baking. Loved for its rich, buttery flavor and moist, tender crumb, it’s the foundation of many iconic desserts and the perfect starting point for any home baker looking to master a versatile cake recipe. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, a classic butter cake never fails to impress.

In this guide, you’ll find a foolproof butter cake recipe, essential tips, and answers to common questions—all designed to help you achieve cake perfection from scratch.

**What Is Butter Cake?**

Butter cake is a type of cake where the primary fat is butter, giving it a dense yet soft texture and a deliciously rich flavor. It’s typically leavened with baking powder or baking soda and includes a base of flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. This cake is distinct from pound cake, which traditionally uses equal parts of each ingredient.

Historically, butter cake has roots in European baking traditions and has evolved into countless variations across the globe. Its texture and flavor are often compared with sponge cake, but unlike sponge cakes that rely heavily on whipped eggs for leavening, butter cakes use chemical leaveners and the creaming method.

For a deeper understanding of cake types, Serious Eats offers an excellent breakdown of the science behind cake structure.

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

To make the best butter cake, it’s important to understand the role of each ingredient:

Butter (unsalted) – The main flavor component and fat source, which affects both taste and texture.
Sugar (granulated) – Adds sweetness and helps with leavening when creamed with butter.
Eggs – Provide structure and stability.
Flour (all-purpose or cake flour) – Contributes structure; cake flour results in a finer crumb.
Baking powder/baking soda – Helps the cake rise.
Milk or buttermilk – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and even baking. For more about choosing the right ingredients, King Arthur Baking provides helpful guidance on flour types and how they affect baking.

Step-by-Step Butter Cake Recipe

Here’s a reliable, from-scratch butter cake recipe you can use as your go-to base:

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
Mix until just combined. Stir in vanilla.
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Smooth the tops.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Popular Butter Cake Variations

The beauty of a simple butter cake recipe lies in how adaptable it is. Try these popular versions:

Kentucky Butter Cake – A rich cake soaked in a butter-sugar glaze.
Gooey Butter Cake – A St. Louis specialty with a soft, custard-like filling.
Lemon Butter Cake – Brightened with lemon zest and juice.
Chocolate Chip Butter Cake – Fold in chocolate chips for added texture.
Fruit-Infused Butter Cake – Add blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a fruity twist.

Tips for a Perfect Butter Cake

Avoid common mistakes and elevate your baking with these key tips:

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix; mix until ingredients are just combined.
Preheat your oven properly and bake on the center rack.
Check for doneness by inserting a skewer—it should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool before frosting to prevent melting.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Take your cake to the next level with thoughtful presentation:

Dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look.
Top with a vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Serve with fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Layer with whipped cream and fruit compote for elegance.

FAQs About Butter Cake Recipe

What is the difference between a butter cake and a regular cake?
A butter cake specifically uses butter as its main fat, creating a dense and rich texture. In contrast, a “regular” cake can refer to various styles, including oil-based cakes or sponge cakes, which are lighter and rely on whipped eggs or chemical leaveners for structure.

What are the ingredients of butter cake?
The core ingredients of a butter cake recipe include:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose or cake flour
Baking powder or baking soda
Milk or buttermilk
Vanilla extract

These ingredients combine to create a rich, moist texture and classic buttery flavor.

Why is it called a butter cake?
It’s called a butter cake because butter is the primary fat used in the recipe. The high butter content gives the cake its signature rich flavor and soft crumb. This differentiates it from cakes that use oil, shortening, or margarine.

What is Kentucky butter cake?
Kentucky butter cake is a variation of the classic butter cake that’s soaked in a sweet, buttery glaze after baking. The glaze seeps into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. It’s often baked in a bundt pan and served without frosting.

Are yellow cake mix and butter cake mix the same?
Not exactly. While both have a similar base, butter cake mix typically includes more butter or butter flavoring, resulting in a richer taste. Yellow cake mix often uses vegetable oil and more egg yolks, giving it a yellow hue and lighter texture.

What type of cake is the most moist?
Cakes that include buttermilk, sour cream, or oil tend to be the most moist. However, a properly made butter cake using quality butter and the right mixing technique can be just as moist and tender.

What is the easiest cake to make?
A simple butter cake is among the easiest cakes to make from scratch. With basic ingredients and minimal steps, it’s ideal for beginner bakers. You can also make it in one bowl if you’re using the reverse creaming method.

What is St. Louis gooey butter cake?
St. Louis gooey butter cake is a local specialty made with a dense, cakey base and a custard-like top layer created by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese. It’s much sweeter and richer than a classic butter cake and is typically served as a bar dessert.

Is pound cake the same as butter cake?
They are similar but not identical. Pound cake traditionally uses equal parts of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour (a “pound” of each), resulting in a denser texture. Butter cake, on the other hand, uses a modified ratio and includes leavening agents, making it slightly lighter and fluffier.

Conclusion

Mastering a homemade butter cake is a true baking milestone—and one that rewards you every time with a dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of flavor. With simple pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this classic cake transforms into a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking your first cake or refining your go-to dessert, understanding the basics of a butter cake recipe—from the creaming method to proper baking times—makes all the difference. Small tweaks like using buttermilk or adding a glaze can take the flavor and texture to the next level.

The beauty of a butter cake lies in its versatility. Serve it as-is for a comforting everyday dessert, dress it up with buttercream frosting for birthdays, or experiment with regional variations like Kentucky butter cake or gooey butter cake. Whatever form it takes, the result is always a soft, buttery crumb and crowd-pleasing flavor.

As you continue baking, this easy butter cake recipe will become a trusted favorite in your kitchen—reliable, customizable, and always delicious. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for endless baking possibilities. And once you’ve nailed it, you’ll never look at boxed cake mix the same way again.