Timeless Old Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe
Discover a 100-year-old gem with this Old Fashioned Butter Cake recipe from a 1910 McCall’s cookbook. This fluffy, moist cake is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round baking pans, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven.
- Cool: Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost: Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting.
Perfectly Chocolate Frosting
Enhance your Old Fashioned Butter Cake with this rich chocolate frosting, inspired by Hershey’s classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk (plus a few extra drops if needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter.
- Mix Cocoa: Stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
- Add Sugar and Milk: Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed until the frosting reaches spreading consistency. Add a few extra drops of milk if needed.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost Cake: Use immediately to frost your cooled cake.
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Accurate Measuring: Sift the flour before measuring for accurate proportions.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While this chocolate frosting is delicious, you can use any frosting you prefer, such as vanilla, cream cheese, or a fruit-flavored frosting.
How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage; just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or freeze until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What variations can I try?
Experiment by adding lemon or almond extract to the batter for a different flavor. You can also add a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful Old Fashioned Butter Cake with friends and family. Its timeless appeal and delicious taste are sure to make it a beloved dessert for generations to come. If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments and tag us on social media with your creations. For more classic and easy-to-make recipes, subscribe to our blog and stay updated with the latest posts. Happy baking!