There’s nothing quite like the rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste of a perfectly baked butter cake. Gigi’s Butter Cake recipe captures the essence of traditional home baking with a delightful twist, making it a favorite in family gatherings and festive celebrations.
This guide will walk you through the steps to creating this delectable dessert that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Follow along to learn how to craft this golden, buttery treat that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Personal Experience
The first time I tried Gigi’s Butter Cake at a friend’s house, I was instantly hooked. Its moist texture and rich buttery flavor were unlike any other cake I’d had before.
Since then, it has become my go-to recipe for nearly every occasion, always earning rave reviews from friends and family.
Equipment List
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Begin Baking Process: Initiate your baking by setting the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, and salt together with a whisk. Set aside.
Step 3:
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4:
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Introduce the eggs one by one into the mixture, ensuring each is thoroughly beaten before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 6:
Prepare to Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into your greased pan, using a spatula to level the surface. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without any wet batter.
Step 7:
Cooling the Cake: Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes to cool down a bit. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool off entirely.
Tips for Success
- Make sure all ingredients are brought to room temperature to ensure the batter mixes smoothly.
- Mix the batter just enough to combine the ingredients well, but avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s soft texture.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- To avoid overcooking, check the cake a few minutes earlier than the recommended baking time.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to get clean cuts.
Variations
- Lemon Butter Cake Variation: For a citrusy twist, incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter and use lemon extract instead of vanilla.
- Marble Butter Cake: Swirl through 1/3 cup of melted chocolate into the batter before baking to create a marble effect.
- Nutty Butter Cake: Fold 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
- Fruity Butter Cake: Top the batter with slices of apple or peach before baking for a fruity twist.
- Spice Butter Cake: Include a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicy, aromatic flavor.
Conclusion
Gigi’s Butter Cake Recipe is a classic treat that never fails to impress. Whether you keep it simple or try one of the delicious variations, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for any occasion, Gigi’s recipe offers a slice of comfort with every piece. Enjoy the baking process as much as the delightful outcome!
FAQs
Can Gigi’s Butter Cake be frozen?
Yes, Gigi’s Butter Cake freezes well. To store, wrap the cake first in plastic wrap tightly, then cover it with foil.
This cake can be kept frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make Gigi’s Butter Cake with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for baking. Make sure to choose a blend that is intended for cake baking to ensure your cake retains a similar texture and structure.
How can I tell if the butter and sugar are well-creamed?
The butter and sugar mixture should be pale yellow, light, and fluffy when properly creamed. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
How should I adjust the baking time if I’m using a convection oven?
When baking with a convection oven, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit and check the cake about 5-10 minutes earlier than the suggested baking time, as convection ovens can cook faster.
Gigi’s Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Begin Baking Process: Initiate your baking by setting the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, and salt together with a whisk. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Introduce the eggs one by one into the mixture, ensuring each is thoroughly beaten before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into your greased pan, using a spatula to level the surface. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out without any wet batter.
- Cooling the Cake: Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes to cool down a bit. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool off entirely.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are brought to room temperature to ensure the batter mixes smoothly.
- Mix the batter just enough to combine the ingredients well, but avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s soft texture.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- To avoid overcooking, check the cake a few minutes earlier than the recommended baking time.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to get clean cuts.
Leave a Reply