Old Fashioned Butter Cake

There’s nothing quite like an Old Fashioned Butter Cake when you’re craving a slice of simple, homemade comfort. This golden, buttery dessert has been a staple at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and holiday tables for generations. Unlike fancy desserts with multiple layers or complicated decorations, the Old Fashioned Butter Cake is all about pure flavor, rich texture, and that unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

The beauty of an Old Fashioned Butter Cake lies in its simplicity. With basic pantry ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla—you can create a cake that tastes like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Pair it with chocolate frosting, fresh fruit, or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee—it never disappoints.

If you enjoy classics like the Lemon Cream Cake or comforting dishes such as Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, then this Old Fashioned Butter Cake will instantly feel like home.

Ingredients – Old Fashioned Butter Cake

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 2 cups sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions – Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is what gives the Old Fashioned Butter Cake its tender crumb.

Step 2 – Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 3 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Step 5 – Bake

Pour the batter into two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6 – Cool and Frost

Cool cakes for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Frost with chocolate buttercream, whipped cream, or enjoy plain.

Tips & Variations for Old Fashioned Butter Cake

• Use real unsalted butter for the richest flavor.

• Swap vanilla with almond extract for a subtle twist.

• Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrus note.

• Frost with chocolate fudge for a decadent finish.

• Serve slices of Old Fashioned Butter Cake with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Storage

• Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days.

• Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week in an airtight container.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.

Time & Yield – Old Fashioned Butter Cake

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 12 slices

• Calories: ~340 kcal per slice

Tools Used

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer

• Measuring cups & spoons

• 9-inch cake pans

• Cooling rack

FAQs about Old Fashioned Butter Cake

1. Can I make an Old Fashioned Butter Cake without frosting?
Yes! The cake is rich enough to stand alone, though a light glaze or powdered sugar dusting is also delicious.

2. What’s the secret to a fluffy Old Fashioned Butter Cake?
Creaming butter and sugar properly. Beat until light and airy for the best texture.

3. Can I double this Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe?
Absolutely. Use larger pans or bake multiple layers.

4. What frosting goes best with Old Fashioned Butter Cake?
Classic chocolate buttercream is traditional, but cream cheese frosting or whipped cream also works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Old Fashioned Butter Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a piece of culinary history. Its golden crumb, buttery flavor, and nostalgic charm make it a dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you serve it plain, frosted, or dressed up with fruit, this cake always delivers warmth and joy.

If you’re a fan of timeless recipes, you might also enjoy the Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake or try a cozy bowl of Creamy Mushroom Soup before dessert.

And for extra dessert inspiration, check trusted resources like AllRecipes for more butter cake variations.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake

A timeless, buttery cake with a tender crumb and rich flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simple family desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course: cake

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup butter softened
• - 2 cups sugar
• - 4 large eggs
• - 3 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 teaspoon baking powder
• - ½ teaspoon salt
• - 1 cup milk
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• - Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• - Measuring cups & spoons
• - 9-inch cake pans
• - Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Frost as desired.
8. ⏱️ Time & Yield:
9. - Prep Time: 20 minutes
10. - Cook Time: 35 minutes
11. - Total Time: 55 minutes
12. - Servings: 12 slices
13. - Calories: ~340 kcal per slice

Notes

- Best with chocolate or cream cheese frosting.
- Can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.
- Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.