Sugar Butter Cake is a homemade dessert that captures the essence of simple baking. This cake is known for its soft texture and sweet, buttery flavor. It brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, often evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy moments in the kitchen. With its straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, this cake is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, serve it at a birthday party, or just want a sweet treat at home, Sugar Butter Cake surely satisfies your cravings.
This flavorful cake showcases the sweet relationship between sugar and butter, creating a harmony that is irresistible. As you bake, the aroma of melted butter and sugar envelops your kitchen, drawing everyone in. It’s a reminder of how delightful simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. If you are looking to bake something comforting and delicious, Sugar Butter Cake is the perfect choice.
Ingredients about Sugar Butter Cake
List of ingredients with measurements
To make a Sugar Butter Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted)
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Optional ingredient substitutions
If you want to modify the recipe or perhaps you are missing an ingredient, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter instead, but reduce the added salt from the recipe.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can serve as a substitute. It will still lend creaminess and moisture.
- Cake Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour, although the cake may be slightly denser.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor, giving the cake a hint of caramel.
- Eggs: If you need to make it egg-free, consider using unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
How to Make Sugar Butter Cake
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. This ensures that your cake will come out easily after baking and helps to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream sugar and butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix the sugar and butter together for about 1 minute. The goal is to reach a light and airy texture, which helps in creating a fluffy cake.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Next, add the three room temperature eggs to the mixture one by one. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, add 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until smooth. The vanilla enhances the flavor, making the cake smell wonderful while it bakes.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients and combine
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this could lead to a dense texture. Lastly, fold in 2/3 cup of sour cream gently, which will add moisture and richness to the cake batter.
Step 5: Pour and sprinkle sugar
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the greased baking dish evenly. To add a touch of sweetness on top, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar across the surface of the batter. This will create a delightful crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool and serve
After baking, let the cake cool slightly in the dish before slicing it into squares. Serving it warm or at room temperature allows the flavors to shine. Enjoy your delicious Sugar Butter Cake!
How to Serve Sugar Butter Cake
Best ways to serve Sugar Butter Cake
Sugar Butter Cake is versatile when it comes to serving. You can serve it as a standalone dessert or pair it with various accompaniments. It’s delightful on its own, but enhance it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fancier presentation.
Serving suggestions or pairings
For an even more comforting experience, serve the cake with fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness. Pairing it with a cup of coffee or tea also makes for a perfect afternoon treat.
How to Store Sugar Butter Cake
Proper storage methods
To keep your Sugar Butter Cake fresh, store any leftover cake in an airtight container. Place it at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a day or two. If longer storage is desired, refrigerate it to extend its freshness.
Tips for reheating or freezing
If you want to enjoy your cake later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Sugar Butter Cake
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake while baking this cake is over-mixing the batter once the flour is added. This leads to a denser cake rather than a fluffy one. Also, ensure your butter is melted, not too hot, or it may cook the eggs when added.
Helpful tips for better results
To achieve the best results, always use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter. This helps the batter mix more evenly and creates a better texture. Additionally, weigh your ingredients for accuracy. Finally, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, which helps it set properly before removing it.
Variation of Sugar Butter Cake
Suggested variations or twists on the recipe
While the classic Sugar Butter Cake is delicious as is, consider experimenting with flavors. You could add citrus zest like lemon or orange to the batter for a refreshing twist. Also, chocolate chips can be folded in for a sweet surprise or a handful of chopped nuts for some crunch.
Adjustments for dietary preferences
If you need to make the cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free alternative. Many stores offer gluten-free cake mixes that will work nicely. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream.
FAQs
What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?
If your Sugar Butter Cake does not turn out as expected, first check if you measured your ingredients accurately. Over or under-measuring can lead to issues. Also, make sure your oven was at the right temperature. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure it’s accurate.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day or two. The cake can also be baked in advance and stored. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
What can I substitute for ingredients?
If you are missing an ingredient, most substitutions are straightforward. For instance, if you do not have cake flour, all-purpose flour works, though the texture will vary slightly. If you don’t have sour cream, use Greek yogurt for similar moisture and tang.
The Sugar Butter Cake is a delightful recipe that not only brings comfort but also offers endless opportunities for personalization. Whether enjoyed alone or with friends, it is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
PrintSugar Butter Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugar Butter Cake is a soft, sweet, and buttery homemade dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to bake and deeply comforting, it evokes nostalgic flavors and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted)
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup melted butter until light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the sour cream gently until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid a dense texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- To enhance flavor, add citrus zest or chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Sugar Butter Cake, butter sugar cake, homemade butter cake, simple butter cake, old-fashioned cake