If you love old-fashioned cakes with a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, tender crumb, this Rich Butter Cake is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe box. It’s simple, comforting, and wonderfully moist, with golden edges and a delicate buttery center.
This is the kind of cake that’s perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning, served as an afternoon treat, or dressed up with whipped cream and fresh berries for dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Rich Butter Cake
- Rich, buttery flavor
- Soft and tender texture
- Golden, slightly crisp edges
- Simple ingredients
- Easy enough for beginners
- Delicious plain or with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
How to Make Rich Butter Cake
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 3–5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
This step helps create a lighter texture, so don’t rush it.
3. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Everything
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in several additions, alternating with the milk.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Gently mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
Avoid overmixing once the flour has been incorporated.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, depending on your pan and oven.
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
The Secret to a Rich, Tender Cake
The most important step is properly creaming the butter and sugar.
Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature rather than melted. Beating it with the sugar creates a light, fluffy mixture that helps give the finished cake its beautiful texture.
Using sour cream also adds richness and helps keep the cake tender.
Easy Variations
Lemon Butter Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest and replace a tablespoon or two of the milk with lemon juice.
Almond Butter Cake
Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract.
Glazed Butter Cake
Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple powdered-sugar glaze.
Berry Butter Cake
Serve slices with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and a spoonful of whipped cream.
Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking for a lightly crisp, sweet crust.
Serving Ideas
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more special by serving it with:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce
A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an especially comforting dessert.
Storage
Keep the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for several days and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze individual slices in airtight freezer-safe wrapping for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
Why is my butter cake dense?
Overmixing the batter, using cold ingredients, or not properly creaming the butter and sugar can contribute to a dense texture.
Can I make this in a Bundt pan?
Yes, but make sure the pan is well greased and floured. Baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the pan.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Butter cake often tastes even better after it has had some time to rest and the flavors have developed.
Final Thoughts
This Rich Butter Cake is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create something incredibly satisfying. It’s buttery, tender, lightly sweet, and versatile enough to serve for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.