Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce

Introduction

A Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is the epitome of simplicity and elegance in the world of desserts. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is made with basic ingredients, including butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. When topped with a Buttermilk Sauce, it elevates the flavor profile, adding a delightful, tangy contrast to the rich sweetness of the cake. This dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

For the Vanilla Butter Cake:

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

For the Buttermilk Sauce:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

For the Vanilla Butter Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans for a layered cake).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using two pans, check each cake at 25-30 minutes.
7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttermilk Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the buttermilk, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat the Sauce: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer, but do not allow it to boil.
3. Add Baking Soda: Add the baking soda to the sauce, and continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will bubble up slightly as the baking soda reacts with the buttermilk.
4. Remove from Heat: Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

To Serve

1. Drizzle the Sauce: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it into pieces. Serve the cake with a generous drizzle of the warm buttermilk sauce.
2. Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Optional Variations

• Frosting: If you’d like a more decadent cake, you can frost it with a vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
• Flavored Sauce: Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of bourbon to the buttermilk sauce for an extra flavor dimension.

History of Vanilla Butter Cake

The vanilla butter cake is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s often referred to as a “butter cake” because of its high butter content, which results in a rich, moist texture. The cake became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Southern United States, where buttermilk is a staple ingredient in many recipes. Over the years, the cake has remained a favorite for both casual and formal occasions due to its simple yet delicious flavor.

Health Benefits

While this cake is undoubtedly a treat, it does contain ingredients that offer some benefits:

• Butter: Provides vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision and immune health.
• Eggs: A great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They help promote healthy skin and muscle repair.
• Buttermilk: Contains probiotics that can aid in digestion and provide a good source of calcium for bone health.

However, since this is a dessert cake, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~15g
• Sugar: ~30g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce is a timeless dessert that combines rich, buttery flavors with a tangy sauce for a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion and will definitely impress your guests. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, birthday, or just as an everyday indulgence, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Lovers of This Recipe

• Classic dessert lovers: Those who appreciate the simplicity of traditional butter cakes.
• Buttermilk fans: Perfect for those who enjoy the tangy taste of buttermilk in desserts.
• Bakers seeking a versatile cake: This cake serves as a perfect base for various frostings or toppings.
• Cake enthusiasts: Anyone who loves a moist, flavorful cake with a decadent sauce.

This recipe is both easy to make and deliciously satisfying—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!