Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce

Table of Contents

Description

This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is rich, buttery, and delightfully soft, with a perfect crumb that melts in your mouth. The addition of buttermilk gives the cake a moist texture and a slight tang, complementing the sweetness. Drizzle it with a homemade buttermilk sauce for a luscious finish. Ideal for celebrations, tea-time, or a cozy dessert at home!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Buttermilk Sauce:

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

Making the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round or square cake pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Buttermilk Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add sugar and buttermilk, stirring constantly until dissolved.
Add vanilla extract and baking soda (it will foam up slightly). Stir well and remove from heat.

Serving:

Slice the cake and drizzle warm buttermilk sauce over each piece before serving.
Enjoy with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Success

✅ Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
✅ Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
✅ Use Good Quality Vanilla: Since vanilla is the main flavor, use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
✅ Even Baking: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the cake pan halfway through baking for even browning.
✅ Sauce Thickness: If the buttermilk sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 10-12 slices
Per Serving (without sauce):

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 200mg

Per Serving (with sauce):

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 19g
Sugar: 40g

Health Benefits

🟢 Buttermilk: Rich in probiotics, supports gut health, and aids digestion.
🟢 Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
🟢 Butter (in moderation): Contains healthy fats that support brain function.
🟢 Homemade Ingredients: No artificial preservatives or additives compared to store-bought cakes.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. The buttermilk sauce can be refrigerated and reheated before serving.

Q: Can I substitute buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Q: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Divide the batter into a cupcake tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different frosting instead of buttermilk sauce?
A: Yes! This cake pairs well with cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings comfort in every bite. Let me know if you have any questions or want modifications! 🍰😊