Southern Living Old Fashioned Butter Cake

Indulge in the timeless charm of the Southern Living Old Fashioned Butter Cake, a classic dessert that epitomizes Southern baking at its finest. This rich, buttery cake is made with pantry staples like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and pure vanilla extract, resulting in a tender crumb and irresistible flavor. Lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar or dressed up with your favorite frosting, this versatile cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant celebrations. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a taste of nostalgia. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy it as a stand-alone treat—it's simple, satisfying, and sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 units large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup confectioners' sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition.

Step 6

Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the batter is smooth but not overmixed.

Step 7

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans or pour it into the baking dish. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull slightly away from the pan.

Step 9

Remove the cake(s) from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

If desired, dust the top of the cake with confectioners' sugar before serving. For a layer cake, you can also add frosting or filling of your choice.

Step 11

Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1490.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5116.2

Total Fat 223.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 132.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 1289.9mg	0%
Sodium 2266.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 725.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 443.1g
Protein 71.2g	0%

Vitamin D 267.4IU	0%
Calcium 511.4mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 1082.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.7%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 55.8%