Dessert: United States – Classic American Butter Cake

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 8

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1 / 2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 3 / 4 cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
2 1 / 2 tsp (12.5 ml) baking powder
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar or simple glaze for topping, to taste

Show original ingredient measurements

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1 / 2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 3 / 4 cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
2 1 / 2 tsp baking powder
1 / 2 tsp salt
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar or simple glaze for topping, to taste

Instructions

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round or square pan.  
2. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.  
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.  
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.  
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.  
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.  
7. Bake 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  
8. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Glaze or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square pan.  
2. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.  
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.  
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.  
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.  
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.  
7. Bake 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  
8. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Glaze or dust with powdered sugar if desired.