Moist Butter Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of butter and glaze ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, or serve with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or weeknight dessert, this cake fits the bill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk, at room temperature

For the Glaze:

• Unsalted butter
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Directions

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Making the Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, water, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Glazing the Cake:

1. Poke Holes in the Cake: Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.
2. Pour the Glaze: Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 servings

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter and substitute some vanilla with citrus extract.
• Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the glaze.
• Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed cake or add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting the cake.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the glaze before serving.

3. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While whole milk provides the best texture, low-fat milk can be used as a substitute.

5. What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

You can use almond extract or another flavoring of your choice for a unique twist.

6. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use parchment paper for easy removal.

7. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly if using a smaller or larger pan.

8. Can I skip the glaze?

You can skip it, but the glaze adds a lot of moisture and flavor to the cake.

9. What toppings pair well with this cake?

Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar all complement this cake wonderfully.

10. How can I make the cake lighter?

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients.

Conclusion

This Moist Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with toppings, its buttery flavor and tender crumb will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe today, and let it become a favorite in your home!

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