Buttery Loaf Cake Recipe – Simple and Delicious
Buttery Loaf Cake Recipe – Simple and Delicious
Like a gentle nod to the culinary traditions of 18th-century Europe, making a buttery loaf cake transforms a few simple ingredients into a delightful treat. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up this moist loaf, which brings together the classic flavors of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs in just the right balance. But before you decide to bake one yourself, consider the subtle tips that can enhance your cake from good to exceptional. What exactly sets apart an ordinary slice from a truly memorable experience?
Key Takeaways
- Combine equal parts of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs for a classic buttery loaf cake base.
- Use unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, cake flour, and full-fat milk for a rich flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in eggs and dry ingredients for optimal texture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes; cool before serving for the best taste.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
History
When you take a bite of buttery loaf cake, you’re tasting a rich history that stretches back centuries. This cake’s origins date to the 1700s in Northern Europe. Its earliest known recipe appears in Hannah Glasse‘s “The Art of Cookery,” published in 1747. The original recipe called for a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, making it easy to remember and share. This simplicity was especially beneficial during times of high illiteracy.
By the 1790s, American cookbooks adapted the recipe, with Amelia Simmons’ “American Cookery” showcasing the pound cake in American cuisine. Its cultural significance spans across communities—particularly in the African-American culture—where it’s often featured during significant celebrations like weddings and birthdays. Also, the cake’s versatile nature makes it suitable for various occasions and flavor adaptations.
Over time, variations emerged, incorporating ingredients like fruit, spices, and cream cheese. The cake has maintained its core identity while evolving to include modern flavors such as chocolate and eggnog.
The commercial production of pound cake began in the mid-20th century, with brands like Sara Lee popularizing the treat, ensuring its availability across the United States.
Through these adaptations, the buttery loaf cake has solidified its place in both history and hearts.
Recipe
Buttery Loaf Cake Recipe
This buttery loaf cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from morning coffee to an afternoon snack. The cake’s soft, moist texture, combined with its rich buttery flavor, makes it a crowd-pleaser. By carefully preparing your ingredients and following the steps, you’ll create a loaf cake that’s both tender and satisfying. Additionally, incorporating a small amount of baking powder can give your cake a slightly lighter texture without sacrificing the traditional buttery flavor.
Before you start baking, verify that all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. The combination of sugar and cream butter creates a fluffy base, whereas the addition of eggs and milk lends a lightness that makes each bite irresistible. If you’re looking to enhance your cake, consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup full-fat milk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 21.5 x 11.4 x 6.9 cm loaf pan by greasing it with unsalted butter and dusting it with flour.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt before gradually incorporating this wet mixture into the butter mixture on low speed.
Slowly add the sifted cake flour during mixing, alternating with the milk, until all ingredients are incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for doneness by inserting a knife into the center.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, always measure your ingredients accurately and double-check that your butter is softened but not melted.
If you want to check the doneness of your cake, look for a slight split on the top and verify that a knife comes out mostly clean when inserted into the center.
It’s also a great idea to let the cake rest for a bit before slicing, as this helps improve the texture and flavor.
Enjoy your baking!
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up your baking adventure, consider all the delicious ways to enjoy your buttery loaf cake. Whether you serve it fresh or after a day, the cake offers endless possibilities.
Fresh Elements: For the best experience, serve the loaf on the day it’s made. Cut thick slices and add a dollop of whipped cream alongside fresh berries, bananas, or strawberries. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Whipped Cream and Desserts: You can enhance your cake with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A smear of tart lemon curd can provide a beautiful contrast. Additionally, consider enjoying your loaf cake with cream and berries to elevate its flavor.
After Storage: If you have leftovers, keep them wrapped to maintain moisture, or freeze them for future enjoyment. You can lightly toast the day-old slices for a unique texture.
Serving Variations: Consider sifting powdered sugar on top for a simple finish or drizzling with lemon or almond glaze. Caramel sauce or chocolate ganache can also be delightful additions.
Ultimately, your buttery loaf cake is versatile, so don’t hesitate to investigate various choices for serving it. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ
Baking can sometimes bring about confusion and uncertainty, especially when trying to achieve the perfect buttery loaf cake. To help you troubleshoot common issues, here’s a quick guide.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Dense Crumb: Avoid overmixing and overcreaming. This can lead to a heavy cake.
- Uneven Baking: Confirm your oven temperature is correct; otherwise, you might’ve undercooked centers and overbaked edges.
- Tunnels and Gummy Streaks: These arise from improper mixing or inconsistent temperature control.
- Cracks: Rapid temperature changes or uneven baking can cause cracks.
Essential Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Measure your ingredients accurately with digital scales for consistency.
- Choose fresh ingredients, particularly baking powder. Additionally, for a rich and moist result, use traditional butter pound cake as a reliable base.
Preventive Measures:
- Invert the cake for cooling to prevent splitting.
- Tap the pan before baking to eliminate air pockets.
- Place a small bowl of water in the oven during baking to stabilize temperature.
Buttery Loaf Cake Recipe – Simple and Delicious
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup full-fat milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 21.5 x 11.4 x 6.9 cm loaf pan by greasing it with unsalted butter and dusting it with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt before gradually incorporating this wet mixture into the butter mixture on low speed.
- Slowly add the sifted cake flour during mixing, alternating with the milk, until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for doneness by inserting a knife into the center.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
