This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is soft, tender, and full of rich buttery flavor. Topped with a silky buttermilk sauce, it’s a timeless dessert perfect for birthdays, tea time, or any special occasion. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Buttermilk Sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
For the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the sauce.
For the Buttermilk Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Stir in brown sugar and cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth.
Add heavy cream and buttermilk; bring to a gentle simmer.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour warm sauce over the slightly cooled cake.
Allow the cake to absorb the sauce for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra richness, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Use freshly baked cake for the best sauce absorption.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Slice carefully to keep the sauce on the cake, not the plate.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 210mg