A classic golden buttery loaf cake is the definition of comfort baking. With its tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and beautiful golden crust, this cake is perfect for tea time, breakfast, or as a simple yet elegant dessert. This recipe delivers a soft, moist texture every time—just like a bakery-style pound cake.
🕒 Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
🧰 Equipment
- Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) milk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor—this is the star ingredient.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and even texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the rich buttery taste.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale (about 3–5 minutes). This step is key for a soft texture.
3. Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently—do not overmix.
6. Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
7. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍰 Texture & Flavor
- Crumb: Soft, tender, and slightly dense (classic loaf style)
- Flavor: Rich, buttery, lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla
- Crust: Golden and slightly crisp on the outside
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t skip creaming butter and sugar—it creates air for a fluffy cake.
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour; it can make the cake dense.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better blending.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during baking.
✨ Variations
🍋 Lemon Butter Loaf
Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon zest for a fresh citrus twist.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Version
Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a richer dessert.
🍓 Berry Loaf
Add fresh or frozen berries (lightly coated in flour to prevent sinking).
🥥 Coconut Butter Cake
Replace part of the milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
❤️ Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with tea or coffee
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar
- Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit
- Drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness