Why Make This Buttercream Cake
Buttercream Cake is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration in the form of sweet, luscious layers that evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy piece of cake that melts in your mouth, topped with smooth, creamy buttercream that tastes as delightful as it looks. This cake is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a treat after a long week. With its classic appeal and customizable nature, it invites creativity in both flavor and decoration, making it a favorite for bakers of all levels.
How to Make Buttercream Cake
Making a Buttercream Cake is a rewarding and straightforward process! You begin by preparing the cake batter with simple ingredients that combine into a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The rich buttercream frosting comes together easily, offering options for color and flavor variations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe provides a reliable foundation for crafting a cake that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for buttercream
- 2-3 tbsp milk for buttercream
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes release easily after baking.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, giving the cake its light texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic flavor.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. This helps to prevent overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Give the pans a gentle shake to settle the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when touched.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then carefully turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period is essential before frosting.
- To make the buttercream, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then add milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a more vibrant color, mix in a few drops of food coloring.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the tops with buttercream, stacking one cake on top of the other. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fruits, or chocolate shavings for an added touch.
Nutritional Information
Per Slice (1/12 of cake):
- Calories: 440
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 59g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 3g
How to Serve Buttercream Cake
Serve your Buttercream Cake on a beautiful platter to make it visually appealing. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast. This cake is also a fantastic option for a dessert table at celebrations, as it can easily be sliced into portions for guests.
How to Store Buttercream Cake
To keep your Buttercream Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Buttercream Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs. This helps in combining them more easily, yielding a better texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allowing the cakes to cool completely ensures that the frosting won’t melt and slide off.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with less powdered sugar, then add more to taste.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add different extracts like almond or lemon to the buttercream for unique flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Buttercream: Replace a cup of powdered sugar with cocoa powder for a chocolatey spin.
- Lemon Buttercream: Add lemon zest and juice for a refreshing citrus flavor in the frosting.
- Nutella Cake: Mix Nutella into your buttercream for a rich chocolate hazelnut taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour to achieve an even lighter and fluffier cake. Just make sure to use the same measurement.
2. How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly after it cools and store it at room temperature. Frost it just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
4. What can I substitute for milk in this recipe?
You can substitute milk with any non-dairy milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
5. How can I make my buttercream frosting stable in warm weather?
Beat in a bit of shortening to your buttercream. This will help maintain its shape and texture even in warmer conditions.
6. Can I add fruits or nuts to the batter?
Yes, you can fold in a cup of fresh or dried fruits and nuts to add texture and flavor to your cake.
7. What is the best way to layer my cake?
Using a serrated knife, gently trim the tops of the cakes for even layers. Apply frosting between layers to create a stable structure.
8. Is this cake suitable for freezing after it’s frosted?
Yes, you can freeze a fully frosted Buttercream Cake! Just place it in the freezer until the frosting hardens, then wrap it well.
9. Can I use a store-bought frosting instead of homemade?
Definitely! Store-bought frosting can save you time and effort, especially if you’re short on time.
10. What flavors pair well with Buttercream Cake?
Vanilla, chocolate, or fruit flavors like strawberry and lemon offer excellent pairings for the buttercream and base cake.
Conclusion
This Buttercream Cake is a joyful recipe that brings sweetness to any occasion, offering a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. With its soft, fluffy layers and rich, creamy frosting, it’s sure to create lasting memories around the dining table. Embrace the joy of baking and try this delightful cake today! Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences—I’d love to hear how your Buttercream Cake turns out! Happy baking!
Buttercream Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and give them a gentle shake to settle the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add milk until you reach the desired consistency and mix in food coloring if desired.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the tops with buttercream, stacking one cake on top of the other.
- Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fruits, or chocolate shavings.