There’s just something magical about a perfectly baked Rich Butter Cake Recipe, with its golden crust, tender crumb, and melt-in-your-mouth richness. This classic treat embodies comfort and celebration all at once — it’s the kind of homey cake you want to share with friends over tea, or dress up for a festive dessert. The Rich Butter Cake Recipe is famous for staying deliciously moist and flavorful, especially the day after baking, making it a go-to choice for family gatherings or any time you crave an old-fashioned, buttery indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the glorious cast of ingredients behind this Rich Butter Cake Recipe. Each one, although simple, plays a meaningful role in achieving that unmistakable butter cake flavor and texture we’re after. Gather your baking essentials and get ready to create something truly special!

Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for that deep, rich flavor and soft, velvety crumb. Don’t skimp here!
Caster sugar: Finer than regular sugar, it dissolves quickly, creating a smooth, even batter.
Eggs: Six medium eggs give the cake its fluffy rise and delightful richness.
Vanilla essence: A splash brings out those beautiful butter notes and adds elegant aroma.
Milk powder: A surprise ingredient that adds depth and a lovely tender texture.
Full-cream milk: Adds extra moisture and a luxurious mouthfeel to every slice.
Self-raising flour: Sifted for softness, it guarantees a lofty cake; if using plain flour, don’t forget the baking powder!

How to Make Rich Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line an 8-inch (20cm) square or round cake pan with parchment paper or butter it generously. This ensures an easy release once your Rich Butter Cake Recipe emerges golden and ready to impress.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and caster sugar together on medium speed until the mixture turns pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial — it aerates the batter, yielding that delicate crumb we’re aiming for. Take your time here; patience really pays off.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, One at a Time

Crack in the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. If the mix looks curdled at any point, don’t worry! It’ll come together, and the result is a moist cake every time. By thoroughly combining the eggs, you help the structure of the Rich Butter Cake Recipe become sturdy yet tender.

Step 4: Infuse with Vanilla and Milks

Drizzle in the vanilla essence, add the milk powder, and slowly pour in the full-cream milk while mixing. This trio brings together richness, flavor, and that little touch of extra moisture that makes every bite memorable.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Sift your self-raising flour (or plain flour with baking powder) into the bowl. Use a spatula or your mixer on low speed to gently fold it in until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing — tender crumb is the goal.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven too soon! Once baked, let your homemade Rich Butter Cake Recipe cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Rich Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The Rich Butter Cake Recipe is stunning as is, but a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of light glaze can add a charming touch. For special occasions, whipped cream and citrus zest also complement the cake’s buttery goodness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a bright fruit compote. A hot cup of tea or fresh-brewed coffee is the classic partner, enhancing the cake’s rich, mellow flavors and creating a truly satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the Rich Butter Cake Recipe into individual squares and wrap in wax paper for easy gifting. You can also layer thin cake slices with jam and whipped cream for a simple trifle, or toast leftover pieces to top with berries and yogurt for an indulgent brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Rich Butter Cake Recipe fresh, store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavor actually intensifies overnight, making the second day even more delightful than the first.

Freezing

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Your butter cake will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to one month. To thaw, simply leave slices at room temperature or warm gently for a just-baked feel.

Reheating

If you crave a warm slice, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or gently warm it in a low oven until just heated through. This perks up the buttery aroma and makes each bite irresistibly soft.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You certainly can, but remember to slightly reduce or omit any extra added salt in the recipe. Salted butter adds a touch of contrast and depth but can also change the cake’s delicate balance if overused.

What if I only have plain flour?

No worries! Just use 280 grams of plain flour and whisk in 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Sift them together to keep your Rich Butter Cake Recipe light and airy.

Can I flavor the Rich Butter Cake Recipe with citrus or almond?

Absolutely! Adding lemon zest or a splash of almond extract gives your cake a delightful twist. Just be mindful of balance — a teaspoon of zest or half a teaspoon of almond extract will do the trick without overpowering the classic buttery flavor.

Is this cake suitable for layering or birthday cakes?

Yes, this Rich Butter Cake Recipe is ideal for layer cakes. It’s sturdy enough to support frostings and fillings, yet tender and moist, making it a favorite foundation for birthday celebrations and special occasions.

Why is my cake dense or not rising?

This usually happens from overmixing after the flour goes in, or from using old baking powder. For best results, fold ingredients gently and always check your leaveners’ freshness. Keeping ingredients at room temperature also helps achieve that soft, lofty crumb.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Rich Butter Cake Recipe enough — it’s my go-to for comfort, celebrations, and everything in between. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises bakery-quality results every time. Give it a try and discover just how magical and satisfying a true butter cake can be!

Rich Butter Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cake
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This rich butter cake recipe is a fail-proof delight that is both delicious and simple to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, this butter cake only gets better with time, making it a delightful treat to enjoy the day after baking.

Ingredients

For the Rich Butter Cake:

250 grams/ 8.8oz (1 cup + 2 tbsp) butter
200 grams/ 7 oz (1 cup) caster sugar
6 medium-sized eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbsp milk powder
5 tbsp full-cream milk
280g/ 9.9oz (2 cups) self-raising flour (sifted) or 280g plain flour + 1 tablespoon baking powder (sifted together)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla essence.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Fold in the sifted flour (or plain flour and baking powder mixture), alternating with the milk powder and full-cream milk until well combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy this rich butter cake the next day for the best flavor!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Universal