Classic Butter Cake with Frosting
Indulge in the timeless comfort of a homemade butter cake. This classic recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb that's perfect for any occasion. With a few simple steps and high-quality ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that will impress your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions:
- Prep and Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend provides the cake's structure.
- Gentle Mixing: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so resist the urge to overbeat.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a clean presentation.
Classic Buttercream Frosting
To elevate your butter cake, indulge in a creamy and flavorful buttercream frosting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add more milk for a thinner frosting or additional powdered sugar for a thicker texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Tips for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending and cake texture.
- Brown Butter Magic: For a richer flavor, substitute the regular butter with brown butter.
- Flavorful Additions: Enhance the cake's taste with lemon zest, almond extract, or cocoa powder.
- Moist Cake Secrets: To prevent dryness, cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap and store it overnight before frosting.
- Frosting Variations: Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Additional Flavor Ideas
- Lemon Butter Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter and top with a lemon curd frosting.
- Chocolate Butter Cake: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter and pair with a chocolate ganache frosting.
- Carrot Cake: Incorporate grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Red Velvet Cake: Create a stunning red hue by adding beetroot powder or food coloring to the batter.
By following these guidelines and experimenting with different flavors, you can create a variety of delicious butter cakes to satisfy every palate.
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