Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic layer cakes that strike the perfect balance between tender crumb and luscious sweetness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something irresistibly special—a soft, moist buttermilk cake layered with dreamy, silky-smooth buttercream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a milestone, or just treating yourself to a slice on a regular Tuesday, this Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a timeless dessert that’s pretty much guaranteed to disappear faster than you expect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is in how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role, building layers of rich flavor, cloud-like texture, and that signature irresistibility only a homemade cake can offer.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure while keeping everything light and tender.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully for those soft, fluffy layers we crave.
- Baking Soda: Reacts perfectly with buttermilk to create extra lift and an ultra-tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a bit, to intensify all the other flavors and keep the sweetness in check.
- Unsalted Butter (cake): Brings unbeatable richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough, while also helping with moisture and color.
- Large Eggs: Each egg brings moisture, binds the batter, and contributes to the cake’s fluffy rise.
- Buttermilk: The secret to a super moist, tender crumb and signature tangy flavor in every forkful.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake and frosting with that warm, inviting background note.
- Butter (frosting): When whipped for the buttercream, it turns incredibly light and creamy—pure luxury.
- Powdered Sugar: Dissolves quickly for a silken frosting you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Milk or Cream (frosting): Helps achieve the perfect spreading consistency for your buttercream swirls.
How to Make Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action when your batter is mixed. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, tapping out any excess flour. This prevents sticking and gives you perfectly intact cake layers every single time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Creaming is what makes your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting so soft and airy, so don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Scrape down the sides as needed, then pour in your vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter get even smoother and creamier at this stage.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, with the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour. This back-and-forth keeps your batter smooth and lump-free while ensuring all the buttermilk goodness is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, then bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience pays off—a cooled cake means the frosting won’t melt.
Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter for several minutes until creamy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps. Beat in the milk or cream and vanilla extract, then whip for another 2-3 minutes for the ultimate fluffy, spreadable buttercream. The result will be as dreamy as it sounds and tastes perfect paired with every bite of the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Once your cakes are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate and generously spread buttercream over the top. Add the second layer, then frost the sides and top, swooping and swirling to your heart’s content. You can go rustic or smooth—it’s up to you! Now stand back and admire your homemade Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting masterpiece.
How to Serve Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a flourish of style and flavor—a handful of fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few edible flowers instantly turns this Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting into a showstopper. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of salted caramel or a scattering of toasted coconut on top.
Side Dishes
Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting stands beautifully on its own, but if you want the ultimate dessert spread, pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of seasonal fruit. A hot cup of coffee, rich black tea, or creamy liqueur on the side will make the celebration complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the traditional layer cake! Cut the cake into mini squares for a party platter, or transform it into a trifle by layering cubed cake and buttercream in clear glasses. For a rustic look, serve naked-style with just a slick of buttercream between layers and on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, wrap slices tightly or store the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate—just let it come to room temp before serving so the cake and frosting are at their best.
Freezing
Both the cake layers and the buttercream freeze beautifully. Wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. For the buttercream, store in an airtight container and freeze separately. Thaw both in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before assembling your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting.
Reheating
While it’s not necessary to reheat this cake, if you prefer your slice a bit warm (perhaps slightly gooey with the frosting), pop it in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. Keep in mind, though, that buttercream does tend to melt quickly, so just a few seconds will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly once cooled, and store at room temperature. This makes assembling the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting a breeze for entertaining.
What’s the best way to frost a cake for beginners?
Start by adding a thin “crumb coat” layer of buttercream to catch any loose crumbs, chill for 20 minutes, then add the final layer of frosting. This little trick gives your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting that professional, picture-perfect finish.
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Buttermilk provides the signature tenderness and subtle tang, but in a pinch, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before adding to the batter.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter evenly into lined muffin tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes. You’ll have delicate buttermilk cupcakes topped with swirls of buttercream frosting—mini versions of the classic Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting.
How do I get my buttercream really fluffy?
Beat your butter for several minutes before adding the sugar, and whip the frosting on high speed at the end. This incorporates air, resulting in that cloud-like, bakery-style buttercream perfect for this cake.
Final Thoughts
Baking the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to celebrate life’s little (and big) moments with people you love. Each slice is a reminder that homemade is always worth it. So preheat your oven, grab your favorite apron, and treat yourself to this classic delight—you’ll adore every bite!
