18 Vanilla Butter Cake Recipe Southern Living Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
If you're looking for the perfect vanilla butter cake recipe, you've come to the right place. As one of the most beloved and versatile desserts, a classic butter cake is a staple in many Southern kitchens. With its light and fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. And with this easy-to-follow recipe, you'll be able to recreate the perfect Southern style vanilla butter cake in your own home. So let's get baking!
No Southern dessert spread is complete without a classic pineapple cake. Moist yellow cake layers are sandwiched together with a rich pineapple filling and topped with a generous layer of creamy frosting. This cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it's a backyard barbecue or a holiday dinner.
Indulge in the sweet and buttery goodness of a Southern caramel cake. This dessert is made with layers of moist caramel-infused cake and a decadent caramel frosting. It's a perfect balance of rich flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you love pecan pie but don't want to fuss with a traditional pie crust, these pecan pie bars are the answer. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a gooey pecan filling, creating a handheld version of the classic Southern dessert. Perfect for a potluck or party, these bars are sure to disappear quickly.
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Southern Buttermilk Pie
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Sugar, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt, Butter
Buttermilk pie may not be as well-known as some other Southern desserts, but it's just as delicious. This custard-like pie has a tangy and creamy filling that's made with buttermilk, giving it a unique and irresistible taste. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs
Sweet potato pie is a staple in many Southern homes, especially during the holiday season. This old-fashioned recipe is made with a spiced sweet potato filling and a flaky homemade crust. It's a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of fall.
For a taste of the tropics, try a Southern coconut cake. This light and fluffy cake is made with layers of moist coconut cake and a sweet coconut cream cheese frosting. It's a perfect dessert for a summer cookout or a refreshing treat any time of year.
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Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Butter Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Eggs, Bourbon, Lemons, All Purpose
This Kentucky butter cake is a true Southern indulgence. The rich and buttery cake is soaked in a bourbon glaze and then topped with a creamy bourbon frosting. It's a perfect dessert for any special occasion or just because.
Indulge in the sweet and buttery goodness of a Southern caramel cake. This dessert is made with layers of moist caramel-infused cake and a decadent caramel frosting. It's a perfect balance of rich flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Sweet potato pie is a staple in many Southern homes, especially during the holiday season. This old-fashioned recipe is made with a spiced sweet potato filling and a flaky homemade crust. It's a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of fall.
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Red Velvet Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Salt, Hot Chocolate Mix, Butter, Eggs
A classic Southern red velvet cake is a must-have for any special occasion. This vibrant and moist cake is made with a hint of cocoa and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It's a showstopper dessert that will impress any guests.
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Kentucky Butter Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Eggs, Buttermilk
This Kentucky butter cake is a true Southern indulgence. The rich and buttery cake is soaked in a bourbon glaze and then topped with a creamy bourbon frosting. It's a perfect dessert for any special occasion or just because.
Take advantage of fresh summer berries with a classic Southern blackberry cobbler. Juicy blackberries are baked with a buttery biscuit topping, creating a warm and comforting dessert that's perfect for sharing. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
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Southern Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cornmeal, Eggs, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt
For a taste of Southern history, try making Johnny cakes (also known as hoe cakes). These simple and comforting cornmeal pancakes were a staple in many Southern households and are still enjoyed today. Serve them with butter and syrup for a delicious breakfast or snack.
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Easy Southern Buttermilk Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Butter, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Large
This easy buttermilk pie is a Southern favorite for a reason. The tangy and custard-like filling is made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, and sugar, but the end result is a delicious and satisfying dessert. Top it with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a little extra sweetness.
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Peach Upside Down Cake
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Fresh Lemon Juice, Light Brown Sugar
Make the most of juicy summer peaches with this delicious peach upside down cake. Caramelized peaches sit atop a moist and buttery cake, creating a beautiful and flavorful dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to any meal.
Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and a creamy vanilla custard come together to create a classic and comforting dessert. It's a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of banana and vanilla.
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Southern Peanut Butter Cream Pie!
Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, Milk, Evaporated Milk, Sugar, Butter
Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! This Southern peanut butter cream pie is a dream come true. A rich and creamy peanut butter filling is nestled in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It's a decadent and irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Nothing says summer like a fresh and vibrant strawberry cake. This Southern dessert is made with layers of moist strawberry cake and a creamy strawberry frosting. It's a perfect treat for a birthday or any celebration that calls for something sweet and fruity.
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Southern Coca Cola Cake
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Canela, Butter
If you're looking for a unique and delicious dessert, try a Southern Coca Cola cake. The soda adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake, which is topped with a rich chocolate frosting. It's a fun and unexpected twist on a classic chocolate cake.
Tea cakes are a simple and traditional Southern cookie that's perfect for any occasion. These buttery and lightly sweetened cookies can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon treat. And with just a few ingredients, they're easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to baking a perfect vanilla butter cake, the quality of your ingredients is key. Using fresh and high-quality butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla extract is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. In Southern Living's version of this recipe, we recommend using unsalted butter to give you more control over the saltiness of the cake. Additionally, using pure vanilla extract instead of artificial flavorings will give your cake a more authentic and delicious taste.
Don't Overmix the Batter
One common mistake when making a vanilla butter cake is overmixing the batter. This can result in a dense and tough cake instead of a light and fluffy one. To avoid this, be sure to mix the batter just until the ingredients are fully combined. Overmixing will cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in a tougher cake. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will not affect the final result.
Bake at the Right Temperature
Another important factor to consider when making a vanilla butter cake is the baking temperature. Preheating your oven to the correct temperature and keeping a close eye on the cake while it bakes is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Too high of a temperature can cause the cake to dry out and become tough, while too low of a temperature can result in a dense and undercooked cake. Follow the recipe instructions carefully and check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Get Creative with Toppings and Frostings
While a classic vanilla butter cake is delicious on its own, you can also get creative with toppings and frostings to take it to the next level. Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a simple glaze are all great options for topping your cake. And for a more indulgent treat, try a rich and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. The options are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect vanilla butter cake, it's time to get baking! Impress your friends and family with this delicious and versatile dessert that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!