Rich Butter Cake Recipe: Moist, Velvety, and Perfectly Golden

There’s nothing quite like a classic butter cake—soft, tender crumb, golden crust, and a luxurious buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Our Rich Butter Cake takes this timeless dessert to the next level, using European-style butter and careful mixing techniques to deliver the ultimate indulgence. Ideal for celebrations, tea time, or an everyday treat, this cake is both elegant and comforting.

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Why This Rich Butter Cake Is a Must-Try

• Luxuriously Moist & Soft: The perfect ratio of butter, sugar, and eggs ensures a tender crumb.
• Golden, Velvety Crust: Achieved with precise baking and quality butter.
• Customizable Flavors: Add citrus zest, chocolate, or nuts for a personal twist.
• Celebration-Worthy: Looks and tastes like a bakery-quality cake without the fuss.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets with simple swaps.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for pan)
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 tsp almond extract for variation)
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or lemon juice

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high for 5–7 minutes, until pale and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor

• Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla or almond extract.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients & Milk

• Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts.
• Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Tent with foil if the cake is browning too quickly.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze

• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Drizzle with glaze once fully cooled, if desired.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Matters: Cold ingredients can cause curdling and uneven texture.
• Butter Quality: Use European-style butter (82–85% fat) for maximum richness.
• Moisture Lock: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap to retain softness.
• Flavor Variations: Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest for brightness, or fold in ½ cup chopped chocolate or nuts before baking.

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FAQs About Rich Butter Cake

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. The flavor often improves after resting overnight.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Baking time may vary slightly.

3. How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use a nonstick baking spray. Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

4. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter is key for the rich flavor and structure. Using oil will change the texture and taste, making it less luxurious.

5. Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes. Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute, and milk with a plant-based alternative. Flavor and texture will slightly differ.

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Conclusion

This Rich Butter Cake is the ultimate classic dessert: moist, buttery, and beautifully golden. With simple ingredients, careful technique, and optional glazes or mix-ins, it elevates everyday baking into a celebration-worthy treat. Whether for tea time, birthdays, or festive gatherings, this cake promises to impress every time.