The Old Fashioned Butter Cake, with its heritage from a 1910 McCall’s cookbook, is not just a dessert but a piece of culinary history. This timeless recipe yields a fluffy and moist cake, simple yet elegant in its flavor. Paired with the “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting, it’s a classic combination that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s go through the recipe:
Old Fashioned Butter Cake
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 inch x 2 inch baking pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add butter, milk, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes with a hand mixer, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs for another 2 minutes.
- Bake: Divide the batter equally between the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
“Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
- 2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/3 cup milk (plus additional as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Melt Butter: Start by melting the butter.
- Add Cocoa: Stir in the cocoa powder.
- Mix Sugar and Milk: Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to a spreading consistency. Add more milk if needed.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frosting Ready: You should have about 2 cups of frosting.
After your cakes have cooled, apply the chocolate frosting evenly. The result is a delightful combination of a classic butter cake with rich chocolate frosting, perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to special celebrations.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this century-old treasure of a recipe!