Butter Cake

Butter cake also known as shortening cake has a buttery texture, is available in different shapes and flavors and is one of the most common cakes. The cake has a global taste and is popular all over the world. It is available in different flavors and shapes. Plain vanilla butter cake is one of the most popular cakes of this type. Pound cake, queen cake and cupcakes are the common types of butter cakes.

History and Origin of Butter Cakes

Butter cakes are said to have originated in America and the recipe for these buttery cakes have evolved from a pound cake recipe. In the 19^th century, when baking powder and other similar chemical leavening products came to the market, the butter cake recipes came into existence. The cakes were now made in a modern way with the use of these agents. The Americans are fond of butter cake because of its rich taste and texture and thus these cakes are associated with mostly all the celebrations of the place.

Method of Preparation and Ingredients Used in Butter Cake Recipe

To make a butter cake, the ingredients which are needed are all purpose flour, salt, baking powder, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and milk. The flour, baking powder and salt are mixed properly and butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract is blended separately till smooth and creamy. The two mixtures are combined and pour into a greased baking pan. The pan is put in the oven and within 45-50 minutes the cake starts rising and is ready. The batter for the cake should not be over mixed as it might let the formation of air bubbles which can hinder the cake from rising. Also, the ingredients should be at room temperature for this cake. The cake, once ready, should be allowed to settle at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Variations in the Butter Cake Recipe

Butter cakes can be made in different flavors ranging from classic vanilla to chocolate to orange to lemon to strawberry etc. The frostings can be made differently as per the choice and even the shapes and layers of this cake can vary. A birthday cake is usually made in a single layer but for weddings and engagement ceremonies the cake is prepared in many layers.

Types Of Butter Cakes

• Bundt cakes- These cakes are made from butter or pound and are decorated a lot.
• Petits fours- Small, square shaped, frosted butter cakes, mostly popular in white and chocolate flavor.
• Wedding cakes- Layered butter cakes decorated as per the theme; usually made colorful with elaborate frosting.
• Novelty cakes- Flavored butter cakes, made in designer pans and carved beautifully as per the occasion
• Cake made from mix- Usually butter or pound cakes, ingredients available in ready make packets.
• Cupcakes- Small cup like cakes with different flavors, specially like by children.

Butter Cake Recipe In Different Cuisines

• Chile- Kuchen Borracho is a famous cake of Chile which is a fruit cake made of apples. A similar cake is made by different names in other cuisines also.
• Portuguese- Boterkoek, also known as Dutch butter cake has a rich texture and amazing flavor. They are aslo known as butter biscuits and are made in round and square shapes.
• Brittany- Gateau Breton is a traditional butter cake popular in the Breton region of France and is made of buckwheat flour, eggs and butter. The cake is also known as buckwheat bread and is relished with hot beverages at breakfast or as evening snacks.
• Germany- Apfelbutterkuchen is a rich butter pound cake with a soft and mushy center; this cake is very much similar to St. Louis traditional butter cake.
• Missouri- Gooey butter cake is popular in Missouri and it originated in 1930.It is usually served with coffee and there are many variations of this cake available.

Popular Forms of the Butter Cake Recipe

• Yellow butter cake- A yellow colored cake which is easy to prepare and commonly made for weddings, birthdays and other parties.
• Blueberry butter cake- A buttery cake made of blueberry jam and fresh blueberries. It is commonly available as cupcakes.
• Chocolate almond butter cake- It is a rich and tasty cake with flavors of chocolate and almond butter. Whole almonds are used to enhance the look of the cake.
• Strawberry almond bundt cake- An appealing, multi layered cake made of strawberries and almonds.
• Passion fruit butter cake- A tangy and sweet flavored cake made of passion fruits and lemon rind.

Trivia 

Gooey butter cake originated when a German American baker accidentally swapped the proportion of flour and sugar.