Are you ready to indulge in a world of rich, velvety goodness? Look no further than our collection of 18 decadent butter cake recipes, each paired with an irresistibly delicious frosting. From classic combinations like vanilla and cream cheese to innovative pairings like strawberry and browned butter, we’ve got you covered.
Our lineup includes show-stopping options like the Salted Caramel Butter Cake, the Chocolate Swirl Butter Cake, and the Maple Pecan Butter Cake – just to name a few. And for those who crave something a little more unique, we’ve also included recipes like the Pistachio Rosewater Butter Cake, the Banana Nut Butter Cake, and the Lavender Honey Butter Cake.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of butter cakes, exploring the perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and rich, creamy frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new dessert to impress your friends and family, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A timeless dessert classic, this vanilla butter cake is moist and flavorful, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Glazed Butter Cake
A moist and flavorful cake infused with the brightness of lemon, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest and juice.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating just until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Salted Caramel Butter Cake
Moist and buttery, this cake is elevated by the rich flavors of salted caramel.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sea salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients. Beat until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Swirl Butter Cake
Rich and moist, this chocolate swirl butter cake is a showstopper for any occasion. With its velvety chocolate center and crispy golden edges, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle melted chocolate over the batter.
7. Top with remaining batter and smooth top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Brown Butter Pound Cake
A rich and moist pound cake infused with the deep flavor of brown butter, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Strawberry Shortcake Butter Cake
This moist and flavorful butter cake is the perfect base for a classic strawberry shortcake dessert. With its tender crumb and subtle sweetness, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond Butter Cake with Raspberry Filling
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of almond butter cake and raspberry filling, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup almond butter
For the filling:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond butter; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely.
5. In a small bowl, combine fresh raspberries and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the berries to release their juice.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and a pinch of water until smooth. Add to raspberry mixture; stir until combined.
7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with raspberry filling, and top with second cake layer.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (including cooling time)
Coconut Butter Cake with Lime Drizzle
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful coconut butter cake, topped with a zesty lime drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Lime zest and juice for drizzle
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Lime Drizzle:
1. Zest one lime and mix with juice.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Maple Pecan Butter Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion. The combination of maple syrup, pecans, and buttery goodness will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped pecans.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Butter Cake
Moist and flavorful, this Cinnamon Roll Butter Cake is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (30g) cinnamon sugar mixture (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Note: To make cinnamon sugar mixture, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Pistachio Rosewater Butter Cake
A delicate and aromatic cake infused with the subtle flavors of pistachios and rosewater, perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 teaspoon rosewater
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add softened butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in chopped pistachios and rosewater.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Nut Butter Cake
This moist and decadent cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of nut butter, creating a unique and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or almond butter
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, butter, and nut butter until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped nuts, if using.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Red Velvet Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent cake, featuring a deep red velvet flavor and a creamy cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Cream cheese swirl ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. For the cream cheese swirl: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Carrot Cake Butter Cake with Walnuts
Moist and flavorful, this cake combines the warmth of carrot cake spices with the richness of butter and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup grated carrots
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in ginger, then add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in walnuts and carrots.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lavender Honey Butter Cake
Savor the sweet and soothing flavors of lavender and honey in this moist and tender cake, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons lavender honey (or regular honey)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lavender honey, and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in dried lavender buds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mocha Butter Cake with Espresso Glaze
This rich and decadent cake combines the flavors of mocha and espresso, perfect for coffee lovers. A moist butter cake infused with instant coffee powder and topped with a velvety espresso glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– Espresso glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and instant coffee powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Espresso Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons espresso powder
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Matcha Green Tea Butter Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea with the richness of butter, creating a unique dessert experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (180g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons matcha powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and matcha powder in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach Cobbler Style Butter Cake
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this moist and flavorful butter cake infused with the sweetness of peaches!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced fresh peaches (about 2-3 ripe peaches)
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in diced peaches.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Summary
Indulge in the rich and buttery world of cakes with these 18 decadent butter cake recipes! From classic vanilla to salted caramel, strawberry shortcake to pistachio rosewater, there’s a flavor for every palate. Each recipe is paired with an irresistible frosting, from cream cheese to mocha espresso glaze. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these tried-and-true recipes will guide you through the process of creating moist and delicious cakes that are sure to impress. So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the sweet pleasure of butter cake!
