de ju
**Ingredients**:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour** (sifted)
– **1 1/4 cup sugar**
– **1 tablespoon baking powder**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter** (softened to room temperature)
– **1 cup whole milk**
– **1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract**
– **2 large eggs**
### **Optional Toppings**:
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Your favorite frosting (buttercream, chocolate, etc.)
– Fresh fruit or whipped cream
### **Equipment Needed**:
– 8×8-inch baking pan (or use a 9×9 pan for a thinner cake)
– Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (can be done by hand with a whisk, but it requires more effort)
– Wire cooling rack
– Sifter (for flour and dry ingredients)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spatula for spreading batter evenly
—
### **Instructions**:
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures that your cake starts baking immediately once placed inside, creating an even rise.
– **Grease and flour** your baking pan. Alternatively, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier after baking.
#### **2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, **sift together** the **all-purpose flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps, and the dry ingredients are well incorporated, contributing to a lighter texture.
#### **3. Add Wet Ingredients:**
– Add the softened butter, **milk**, and **vanilla extract** to the dry mixture.
– Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients together until well combined. **Butter** should fully integrate with the flour mixture, and the texture will be somewhat smooth but thick.
#### **4. Add Eggs One at a Time:**
– **Beat in the eggs**, adding one at a time. After each egg, mix until it’s fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps emulsify the batter and creates a smooth, consistent mixture.
– After both eggs have been added, continue to beat for about 1-2 minutes. You want to ensure the batter is well-aerated and free of lumps.
#### **5. Pour into the Prepared Pan:**
– **Pour the batter** into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Try to smooth the top as much as possible to ensure an even rise during baking.
#### **6. Bake the Cake:**
– Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for **30-35 minutes**. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
– The cake should have a golden-brown top and edges and will have slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan.
#### **7. Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for **10 minutes**. This helps the structure of the cake set, making it easier to remove.
– Transfer the cake to a **wire rack** to cool completely before serving or decorating.
– Serve the cake **plain**, **dusted with powdered sugar**, or with your favorite frosting. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or whipped cream for a fancier touch.
—
### **Tips for Success**:
– **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures the ingredients combine easily and create a smooth batter.
– **Do Not Overmix**: Once you add the eggs, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser cake.
– **Pan Size**: An 8×8-inch pan creates a thicker, fluffier cake, but you can use a 9×9-inch pan for a slightly thinner version with the same delicious flavor.
—
### **History of the Old-Fashioned Butter Cake**:
The **Old-Fashioned Butter Cake** is a recipe that dates back to the early 20th century. Before the advent of commercial baking mixes, cakes like this were made from scratch in home kitchens. During the early 1900s, simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and eggs were pantry staples, and cakes like these were common for birthdays, celebrations, and everyday desserts. The recipe is beloved for its simplicity, rich flavor, and the ability to be easily adapted with various toppings or frostings.
In earlier times, the cake was often served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. More elaborate variations might have included fresh fruit, preserves, or a simple glaze.
—
### **Benefits of this Cake**:
1. **Simplicity**: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
2. **Adaptability**: The cake can be dressed up with various toppings or fillings, including frostings, fruit, or whipped cream.
3. **Nostalgia**: This is a heritage recipe, invoking memories of family gatherings and homemade desserts. It’s a timeless classic that stands the test of time.
4. **Delicious Flavor**: Thanks to the butter and vanilla, this cake has a rich, tender crumb and delicate sweetness.
—
### **Nutritional Information (Per Serving)**:
– **Calories**: ~250 kcal
– **Total Fat**: 10g
– **Saturated Fat**: 6g
– **Cholesterol**: 60mg
– **Sodium**: 300mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 35g
– **Sugars**: 20g
– **Protein**: 4g
—
### **Conclusion**:
This **Old-Fashioned Butter Cake** is a comforting, simple dessert that stands the test of time. It’s easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a wonderfully buttery and tender cake. Whether enjoyed plain, with a dusting of sugar, or topped with frosting, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
### **Cake Lovers**:
People who enjoy traditional, no-fuss baking methods adore this recipe. It’s popular among those who appreciate the simplicity of vintage desserts and who love baking from scratch. Additionally, lovers of buttery, rich cakes will find this recipe irresistible.
—
Happy Baking! This Old-Fashioned Butter Cake will bring joy to any occasion with its timeless flavor and ease of preparation.