Classic Southern Butter Cake Recipe

#### Instructions for Classic Southern Butter Cake

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or use a Bundt pan for a more traditional presentation. Make sure the pan is well-coated to prevent the cake from sticking.

**Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. Mixing the dry ingredients beforehand helps ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This is an important step as it helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake a light, airy texture.

**Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter. After the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.

**Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk**
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Start with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, then add the buttermilk and mix until smooth. Continue alternating until all ingredients are incorporated, making sure not to overmix.

**Step 6: Pour the Batter Into the Pan**
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that the batter is evenly distributed.

**Step 7: Bake the Cake**
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking, as every oven is different.

**Step 8: Cool the Cake**
Once the cake is baked, remove it 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.

**Step 9: Make the Glaze (Optional)**
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by combining the butter, milk, and powdered sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

**Step 10: Glaze the Cake**
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and richness. Alternatively, you can skip the glaze and serve the cake plain, or top it with whipped cream and fresh berries.

#### Tips for the Best Southern Butter Cake

1. **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake.

2. **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. The key to a tender texture is to mix just enough.

3. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk in alternating batches helps prevent the batter from becoming too thick and ensures a smooth consistency.

4. **Test for Doneness**: Since ovens vary, start checking your cake for doneness around 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is done.

5. **Serve It Your Way**: The beauty of a Southern butter cake is its versatility. You can serve it plain, topped with a glaze, or dressed up with whipped cream, berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

#### Why This Is the Best Southern Butter Cake

What makes this butter cake stand out is its perfect balance of richness and lightness. The butter creates a moist, tender crumb, while the buttermilk gives the cake a subtle tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar. The optional glaze adds another layer of indulgence, but the cake is equally delicious on its own.

It’s the kind of cake that you can imagine being served at a Southern family reunion or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee. Whether you enjoy it plain or top it with fresh fruits, this **Classic Southern Butter Cake** has the kind of flavor and texture that leaves a lasting impression.

#### Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a slice of **Classic Southern Butter Cake**. It’s a simple, elegant dessert that offers the ultimate comfort with every bite. Rich, buttery, and perfectly tender, this cake is a Southern staple that can be enjoyed at any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just craving a slice of something sweet.

With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a cake that’s full of flavor and steeped in tradition. So next time you’re in the mood for a classic, comforting dessert, look no further than this easy and delicious Southern butter cake recipe. Happy baking!