A Slice of Nostalgia: Indulge in the Old-Fashioned Butter Cake
Step back in time and rediscover the simple pleasures of baking with this captivating Old-Fashioned Butter Cake recipe. This treasured gem, unearthed from a 1910 McCall's cookbook, promises a delightful experience for bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Imagine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cake bursting with rich butter flavor and a touch of sweetness. This easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned professionals who appreciate the timeless charm of classic desserts.
Here's a detailed guide to recreating this piece of baking history, along with some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out just right:
Ingredients:
- The Foundation:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted - Sifting adds air to the flour, resulting in a lighter and airier cake crumb.
- The Sweetness:
- 1 1/4 cup sugar - Creates the perfect balance of sweetness that complements the richness of the butter.
- The Rising Power:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder - Ensures the cake rises beautifully in the oven.
- A Touch of Savory:
- 1 teaspoon salt - Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
- The Star of the Show:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened - Softened butter incorporates easily into the batter, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Liquid Love:
- 1 cup milk - Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Pure Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Infuses the cake with a subtle vanilla aroma and taste.
- The Binding Duo:
- 2 eggs - Eggs provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
Instructions:
- Preparing the Stage: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour two 8-inch x 2-inch baking pans. Greasing ensures easy removal of the cake, while flouring prevents sticking.
- Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting removes any lumps and aerates the dry ingredients for a lighter cake.
- Creamy Perfection: Using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract for 2 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter and creates a smooth, creamy texture. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- The Egg Incorporation: Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 2 minutes after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated without overbeating the batter.
- Filling the Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans. A kitchen scale can help ensure equal distribution.
- Baking to Golden Perfection: Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The golden brown color on the top is another indicator of doneness.
- A Cooling Touch: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before transferring.
- The Grand Finale: Gently turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely. A wire rack allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Frosting Fun! Frost the cooled cakes with your favorite frosting recipe. The recipe includes a "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting option, but feel free to get creative and explore different flavors.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more smoothly into the batter.
- Mixing Magic: Don't overmix the batter once you add the eggs. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake.
- Frosting Freedom: This cake is a wonderful canvas for your frosting creativity. Explore different flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or cream cheese to personalize your dessert.
- Leftover Love: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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