There’s something about a simple, old-fashioned butter cake that brings back warm memories of family gatherings, cozy afternoons, and cherished traditions. This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze is a timeless dessert that has stood the test of time. With its buttery, tender crumb and a light vanilla glaze drizzled on top, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and delivers that classic homemade flavor we all love.

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Ingredients:

For the Butter Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (adjust for consistency)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and airy cake, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, fragrant flavor that enhances the cake.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Milk and Flour

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk to the butter-egg mixture. Start with one-third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half of the milk. Repeat the process, ending with the last portion of the flour. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 35-40 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan or 30-35 minutes for two 9-inch rounds. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the cake. You can pour it on generously for a thick glaze or use a spoon to drizzle it over lightly for a more delicate look. The glaze will harden slightly as it sets, adding a sweet and glossy finish.

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Cooking Notes:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal results. This ensures the batter mixes smoothly, resulting in a uniform crumb and perfect texture.
• Extra Flavor: If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can mix a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest into the batter, giving the cake a slightly different, but still classic, taste.
• Buttermilk Option: For added richness, you can substitute the whole milk with buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and tenderizes the cake further.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Butter Cake is perfect on its own with a cup of coffee or tea, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it as a dessert at family gatherings, potlucks, or enjoy it as a special treat for afternoon tea.

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Tips:

• Make It Ahead: This butter cake can be made a day in advance. The flavors will meld, and the cake will remain moist. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake can be frozen (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then apply the glaze before serving.
• Glaze Variations: You can easily switch up the glaze by adding a hint of citrus with lemon or orange zest, or even a splash of maple syrup for a seasonal twist.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

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Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg

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Conclusion:

This Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy to every occasion. With its moist, buttery crumb and a sweet, delicate vanilla glaze, this cake is as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or indulging in a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. It’s a dessert that honors the tradition of homemade baking and the love that goes into it, passed down from generation to generation.

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