Old-Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

Got it 😊 since you said “This was my nana’s all-time favorite cake” but didn’t mention which kind, I can share a classic old-fashioned cake recipe that was (and still is) a favorite for many nanas: Old-Fashioned Butter Cake with Vanilla Frosting. It’s simple, rich, and timeless.

🍰 Old-Fashioned Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
5. Combine: Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until smooth.
6. Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy (add more cream if too thick).
8. Assemble: Spread frosting between cake layers, then over the top and sides.

✨ Optional nana-style touches:

• Add a layer of jam between the cakes before frosting.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top.
• Serve with tea or coffee for the full nostalgic effect.

Do you want me to also share a vintage version (like pineapple upside-down cake or classic carrot cake), in case that’s closer to your nana’s favorite?