A slice of Everyday Butter Cake is perfect for a casual afternoon snack or as a delightful dessert to impress your guests. This simple yet scrumptious vanilla cake is incredibly fluffy and versatile, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether served plain, topped with fresh fruit, or adorned with a drizzle of icing, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or dress it up with toppings like whipped cream or berries.
- Fluffy Texture: The combination of sour cream and whipped eggs creates a light, airy cake that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect Anytime: Ideal for tea time, birthday celebrations, or simply a sweet treat after dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Everyday Butter Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cake pan (9” square or round)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Cake pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling; larger bowls make whisking easier.
- Whisk: Perfect for incorporating air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake.
Ingredients
A cross between a tea cake and a butter cake, this is a simple & quick vanilla cake recipe that leads to a fluffy snacking style cake good for any day, anytime.
For the Base
- 226g or 1 cup unsalted butter (cold is fine)
- 205g or 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature; place them in warm water before melting the butter)
- 180g or ¾ cup sour cream
- 250g or 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (can substitute with granulated sugar)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
How to Make Everyday Butter Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, grease and flour your chosen cake pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the butter in a large glass or heatproof bowl. Microwave it until it’s almost melted but still has some solid bits. This will help create that rich flavor without over-melting.
Step 3: Combine Sugar and Butter
Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until well combined.
Step 4: Add Salt and Vanilla
Stir in the fine sea salt and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking for another 30 seconds to infuse those flavors into the mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to whisk each egg fully into the batter before adding the next one. After all eggs are added, whisk for an additional minute until the mixture is light and creamy.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cake flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder directly into your wet mixture. This step prevents lumps from forming in your batter.
Step 7: Add Sour Cream
Gently whisk in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the batter. It adds moisture and richness to your Everyday Butter Cake.
Step 8: Fold the Batter
Carefully fold the batter using a rubber spatula until it’s completely smooth. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared pan. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle an additional three tablespoons of granulated sugar on top before baking.
Step 9: Bake
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a cake tester; it should come out clean when ready. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes!
How to Serve Everyday Butter Cake
Everyday Butter Cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up, there are many ways to serve this fluffy cake.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the butter cake with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, a warm drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your cake into an indulgent dessert.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Pairing the butter cake with vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee
- Enjoying slices of this cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a perfect afternoon snack.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Slice the butter cake into bite-sized pieces and include it on a dessert platter alongside cookies and pastries for variety.

How to Perfect Everyday Butter Cake
To ensure your Everyday Butter Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and sour cream to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting cake flour, baking powder, and powdered sugar helps create a lighter batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring allows for easier removal without breaking.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Everyday Butter Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Everyday Butter Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: This rich and creamy dessert makes an elegant pairing that contrasts nicely with vanilla flavors.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a layer on top or serve on the side for added richness and tanginess.
- Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola sprinkled over each slice provides texture and nutty flavor that complements the soft cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices adds sweetness and depth, creating an indulgent treat.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream for its lightness and subtle flavor.
- Spiced Chai Tea: Serve slices alongside spiced chai tea to create a warm, comforting experience perfect for any gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Everyday Butter Cake can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy cake.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and airy one.
- Skipping the Sifting Step: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients helps aerate them. This leads to a lighter cake texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising of the cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can also cover it with plastic wrap or foil.
Freezing Everyday Butter Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Everyday Butter Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350 F, wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium for about 15-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to Everyday Butter Cake that many bakers have:
What makes an Everyday Butter Cake different from other cakes?
Everyday Butter Cake is known for its simplicity and flavor profile. It’s rich due to butter but light enough for everyday snacking.
Can I customize my Everyday Butter Cake?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit like blueberries or cherries to make it your own.
How do I ensure my Everyday Butter Cake is moist?
Using sour cream in the recipe adds moisture. Also, avoid overbaking as this dries out the cake.
Is there a gluten-free version of Everyday Butter Cake?
You can substitute regular cake flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Adjust as necessary based on your chosen blend.
Final Thoughts
Everyday Butter Cake is not only easy to whip up but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with toppings, this cake promises delight in every bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Everyday Butter Cake
Everyday Butter Cake is the quintessential dessert that embodies simplicity and flavor. This delightful vanilla cake is incredibly light and fluffy, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a casual afternoon snack or impressing guests at a dinner party. Crafted with easy-to-find ingredients, this cake boasts a moist texture thanks to the addition of sour cream. You can serve it plain or elevate it with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a warm drizzle of chocolate sauce. This versatile treat will soon become a staple in your baking repertoire, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- Melt butter in a heatproof bowl until almost melted. Whisk in granulated sugar until combined.
- Stir in salt and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Sift in cake flour and baking powder; gently mix until just combined.
- Fold in sour cream until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg



