There’s something magical about a Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight) that brings sunshine into any gathering. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful treat, its golden crust beckoning with promises of sweetness and joy. Each slice reveals a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth like a hug from grandma, making it a must-have for those sunny Memorial Day picnics.
This cake isn’t just about flavor; it’s wrapped in memories of laughter and family gatherings. Picture everyone eagerly waiting for the first slice, their faces lighting up with glee at the sight of this beautiful creation. It’s perfect for Memorial Day celebrations or simply to brighten up a dull Tuesday afternoon. Trust me; this cake will have your friends and family raving about it long after the last crumb is gone.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Vanilla Butter Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re not a baking whiz
- The flavor is rich and buttery, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds
- It looks stunning on any dessert table with its golden hue and fluffy texture
- Enjoy it plain, or jazz it up with fruits or whipped cream for endless versatility
I still remember the first time I made this cake—my family was blown away by how moist and flavorful it turned out!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; it makes all the difference in your cake’s richness.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Opt for fine sugar to ensure even blending with other ingredients.
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple for baking; sift it before measuring to avoid lumps and achieve a light texture.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives your cake that perfect rise, so don’t skip it!
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Large Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together nicely; room temperature eggs work best here.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for a more authentic flavor profile.
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Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness—perfect for achieving that tender crumb!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors without making the cake taste salty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake when you put your batter in.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat until fluffy and pale; this should take about 3 minutes of enthusiastic mixing.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually incorporate large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg blends fully before adding the next. Stir in pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps prevent clumps and ensures an airy texture when mixed.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add your dry mixture with milk into the butter mixture. Start with dry ingredients—mix gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Each step brings you closer to enjoying that first heavenly bite of your Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight). Just trust the process—it’s worth every second spent in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight) is a classic dessert that combines buttery richness with a subtle vanilla flavor
- This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, as it pairs beautifully with fresh fruits and whipped cream, elevating your dessert experience to a whole new level
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gradually add eggs and vanilla before incorporating the dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for an extra flavor twist. You can also fold in chocolate chips or nuts to customize your cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a fluffy texture, don’t skip the room temperature butter—this step is crucial!
- Avoid over-mixing your batter; just mix until combined
- Finally, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
The first time I made this Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight), my friends devoured it faster than I could say “seconds.” Their smiles were worth every bit of effort!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Using margarine will alter the flavor and texture; butter is recommended for best results.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Can I freeze Vanilla Butter Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Vanilla Butter Cake (Memorial Day Delight) is a deliciously moist and buttery treat that captures the essence of family gatherings. With its golden crust and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for sunny Memorial Day picnics, bringing smiles and sweet memories to every occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with fruits and whipped cream, this delightful cake is sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually add the eggs one by one, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately mix the dry ingredients with the milk into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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