Classic vanilla butter cake with buttermilk sauce is a rich and indulgent dessert that brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings. With its light, airy texture, sweet flavor, and the delicate soaking of buttermilk sauce, this cake is truly a treat for the taste buds. Perfect for holidays, family reunions, or simply as a sweet indulgence, it’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. Follow the steps below to discover how to make this classic recipe that will delight your guests.
Ingredients for the Cake
To create the perfect vanilla butter cake, it’s essential to use quality ingredients. This cake uses simple yet crucial elements that combine to offer a moist, tender texture and an authentic flavor.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake, contributing to its tender texture.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Sugar provides the necessary sweetness to the batter and helps with the caramelization of the cake as it bakes.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the cake its light structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Vanilla is the heart and soul of this cake. It adds a warm, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the batter.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Flour gives the cake body while keeping it light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps the cake rise, making it extra soft and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder complements the action of baking soda, adding to the cake’s airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the cake and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk is essential for providing moisture to the cake, along with a creamy texture. It also adds a slight acidity that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Ingredients for the Buttermilk Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar: Sugar is the main sweetening agent for the sauce and dissolves easily in the water and butter.
- 1/4 cup (60g) cubed butter: Butter is used to make the sauce rich and velvety, adding depth to the flavor.
- 1/4 cup water: Water is used to dissolve the sugar and help form a smooth sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract will flavor the sauce and tie it together with the cake.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making this classic vanilla butter cake with buttermilk sauce is straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail. Follow these steps for a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by beating the sugar and melted butter together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, which is crucial for a light, tender cake.
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition until fully incorporated. Eggs help the cake maintain structure while keeping it moist.
Next, mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Vanilla is the key flavoring, so don’t skimp on the quality!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed. Mix gently and just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.
2. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch baking pan (or bundt pan) with oil or non-stick spray, ensuring an easy release after baking.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven and pan size, the baking time may vary, so check the cake around the 50-minute mark to ensure it’s not overbaking.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the cake set before you remove it from the pan.
3. Make the Buttermilk Sauce
While the cake is cooling, make the buttermilk sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cubed butter, and water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts completely, creating a smooth, syrupy texture.
Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful when adding the vanilla as the mixture will be hot.
4. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to release the cake. Invert the pan onto a wire rack placed over a sheet of waxed paper to catch any drips.
Using a skewer or fork, poke small holes all over the cake. This step is crucial as it allows the sauce to soak into the cake, making it even more deliciously moist.
Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the prepared buttermilk sauce over the cake, letting it soak in. Allow the cake to sit for about 15-20 minutes to fully absorb the sauce. The cake will become wonderfully soft and flavorful as the buttermilk sauce infuses into every bite.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake has absorbed the sauce, it’s time to slice and serve! Cut the cake into pieces, drizzle additional buttermilk sauce over each slice for an extra decadent experience.
You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. For an extra indulgent touch, serve the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a simple but satisfying treat to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of moist cake and sweet, tangy buttermilk sauce makes for an irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature before beginning. This helps create a smooth batter that will result in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the buttermilk sauce to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (although that’s unlikely), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The buttermilk sauce can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, warm the sauce in the microwave or on the stove, and drizzle over freshly cut cake slices.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Simple Ingredients: This cake uses pantry staples and is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of buttermilk and butter creates a wonderfully moist and tender cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a weekday treat, this cake fits every occasion.
- Endlessly Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips, to make this cake your own.
Enjoy your slice of comfort and delight with this classic vanilla butter cake with buttermilk sauce!
