Old Fashioned Butter Cake – 100 Year Old Recipe!

Introduction:

This Old Fashioned Butter Cake is a delightful, timeless recipe that has stood the test of time for over 100 years! With its soft, buttery crumb and rich flavor, it’s the perfect cake for any occasion. Paired with a smooth and decadent chocolate frosting, this cake brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or just to treat yourself, this butter cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

For the Butter Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/3 cup milk (plus a few drops if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch x 2-inch round baking pans and set them aside. This ensures the cakes will come out cleanly and without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and blend the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the dry ingredients, add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients. Add the eggs and continue beating for another 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a medium-sized bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the Hershey’s cocoa until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, while beating on medium speed until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a few extra drops of milk. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost them using the chocolate frosting. Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second cake layer on top, and then frost the top and sides. For this recipe, we’ve used the “Perfectly Chocolate” frosting from Hershey’s cocoa can, which is rich, smooth, and absolutely delicious.

Cooking Note:

• To ensure the best results, make sure your ingredients (especially butter, milk, and eggs) are at room temperature before mixing.
• If you prefer a different frosting, this cake pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream or even cream cheese frosting.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a more indulgent treat.
• It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting dessert experience.

Tips:

• To make the cake even more tender, you can substitute the milk with buttermilk.
• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For a decorative touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder over the frosting.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

10-12 slices

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
• Protein: 4 grams per slice
• Sodium: 300 mg per slice

Conclusion:

This Old Fashioned Butter Cake, with its soft, tender crumb and rich chocolate frosting, is a true classic. Passed down for generations, this simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The combination of buttery cake and creamy chocolate frosting is nothing short of heavenly. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this 100-year-old recipe has stood the test of time!