Butter Cake: A Timeless Recipe and Essential Baking Tips

Let this be the start of your baking journey!

This delicious buttery plain, sponge cake with a soft golden top crust is the first cake that every aspiring cake-baker must get right.

The first step is always important, and mastering this classic cake will boost your confidence to try more challenging recipes.

Start with this simple yet promising sponge cake, as it offers a deep understanding of essential baking techniques. With practice, you'll soon be crafting a wide array of exquisite cakes.

Follow these tried-and-true tips, and success is all but guaranteed. Even if it's your first time, rest assured—nothing can go wrong if you stick to the instructions.

Bake this cake, share it with love, and let your baking journey begin!

Make sure you get the right ingredients to bake this cake for best results;

250g Self - raising flour

250g Margarine spread

250g Caster sugar

4 Eggs

3tbsp Milk

1tsp Lemon juice

1tsp Vanilla essence

3 pinches of Salt

1tsp Baking powder

Why do I use the best brands of ingredients for baking my cakes?

Always make sure to buy the best quality ingredients for baking a cake, as inferior ones can lead to a disappointing outcome.

High-quality ingredients are essential for achieving a super moist, delicious, and spongy texture in your cake. They bring out the best flavors and ensure consistency in every bake.  By investing in premium brands, you ensure that your cake will rise properly, taste rich, and stay fresh longer, delivering a delightful experience in baking.

The key ingredients for any cake - Self-raising flour, Margarine or Spread, Eggs, Caster Sugar and Baking Powder

Essential Equipment for Baking a Cake: Digital Scale,  a Kitchen Timer, Spatula, and Electric Hand Mixer

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, let’s make it: 

Set the oven to 180C

Step 1 - Cream the batter

• Cream butter and sugar together until creamy,  using an electric hand mixer.  Go clockwise  (3 mins)

• Add eggs, one at a time. Make sure you beat 3 rounds after each addition

• Add vanilla essence,  lemon juice, salt, and finally, cream all together for 2-3 mins

• Mix baking powder to flour and sieve onto the cake batter, holding the sieve well above it, allowing the air to escape

• Fold the flour gently with a wooden spoon until everything turns into a creamy batter. Do not use the electric mixer at this point

• Add milk and mix well with a spatula/wooden spoon until a smooth batter is formed

Your batter is ready!

Step 2 - Into the tray

• Line up a baking tray with parchment paper. Spoon the batter into the baking tray and flatten with a spatula

• Lift up the tray and drop it twice onto your kitchen top gently, allowing the batter to spread and settle evenly on the try

Step3 - Stick it in the oven

• Place the tray on the lowest shelf of the oven

• Bake for 20-25mins or the top turns golden yellow (Never open the oven door in the initial 10 mins)

Step4 - Take the cake out of the oven

Time for a peek!

• After 20 mins, insert a skewer in the middle of the cake and if it comes clean,  your cake is ready! Or just push the middle of the cake with a finger and if it springs back the cake is done!

• Take it out from the oven and let it rest for 5 mins

• Slowly remove it from the tray and place it on a cooling rack

• Peel off the parchment paper gently and let the cake cool off completely!

Time to serve your cake!

• Dip a knife in hot water, wipe clean, and cut the cake into dainty squares

• Enjoy your beautiful sponge cake with a cup of sweet milky tea!

Tips for a perfect cake

Essential Tips For A Perfect Butter Cake:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for the best brands available for flour, butter or margarine, baking powder, vanilla, and caster sugar. Low-quality ingredients can lead to disappointing results.

2. Margarine Over Butter: Margarine is often better for cakes, especially in cold climates, as butter can become dense and hard.

3. Handle the Oven with Care: After placing the cake in the oven, never slam the door—it can cause the cake to sink in the middle. Also, avoid opening the oven door during the first 10 minutes of baking.

4. Use the Right Mixer: Always use an electric hand or stand mixer for the initial mixing. Once the flour is added, switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the batter.

5. Baking Powder Proportions: Stick to the recipe’s exact amount of baking powder. Too much can cause the cake to sink.

6. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated for at least 15-20 minutes before baking.

7. Accurate Measurements: Use a digital kitchen scale for precise measurements—accuracy is key to baking success.

8. Room Temperature Ingredients: All ingredients should be at room temperature for the best results.

9. Level the Batter: After pouring the batter into the tray, lift and drop the tray gently on the kitchen counter twice to help it level out.

10. Browning Issues: If the top of the cake browns before the center is fully baked, cover it with parchment paper and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

11. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for 5-10 more minutes.

12. Bake with Love: The best cakes are made with focus and care. Never bake when you're distracted—your cake deserves your full attention!