Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is nothing short of cloud-like perfection, boasting buttery, tender cake layers and a dreamy blanket of pillowy frosting. If you’re looking for an impressive homemade treat that brings together luscious old-fashioned flavor and show-stopping looks, this is it. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply chasing the nostalgic taste of classic layer cakes, you’ll cherish every bite of this irresistible creation. Each component, from the moist crumb to the swoops of creamy icing, comes together for a cake that feels like a warm, sweet hug—perfect for sharing with people you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting comes from simple, classic baking essentials. Every ingredient serves an important role, enhancing the cake’s softness, depth of flavor, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure while keeping the crumb tender and light.
• Baking powder: Adds lift, helping the layers rise perfectly.
• Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for a delightfully fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens natural flavors.
• Unsalted butter (cake & frosting): Supplies richness and a melt-in-your-mouth mouthfeel—make sure it’s softened for perfect creaming!
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, while also creaming with butter for a light crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and add moisture for that classic, silky crumb.
• Vanilla extract (cake & frosting): Brings comforting warmth and bakery-style aroma to both cake and frosting.
• Buttermilk: The star for moisture and a gentle tang—ensures every slice is impressively tender.
• Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, fluffy base for your buttercream.
• Heavy cream or milk: Lightens up the frosting and gets it to perfect spreading consistency.
• Pinch of salt (frosting): Optional but highly recommended—you’ll love how it tames the sweetness.

How to Make Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by setting the tone for success: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare three 8-inch cake pans—greased and floured, or lined with parchment for extra insurance against sticking. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a medium bowl. In a separate, larger bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s creamy, fluffy, and pale in color—this step traps air for the lightest crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well for structure, then stir in the vanilla. Alternate adding the dry mix and buttermilk in stages, gently folding until just combined to keep the cake airy. Pour the batter evenly into the pans, smoothing the tops, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean. Let cakes cool in the pans briefly before turning out onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Frosting

For a buttercream that’s as lush as bakery cakes, beat your softened butter until light and creamy—a few minutes does wonders. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar on low speed; this avoids clouds of sugar and ensures a smooth frosting. Add the vanilla and a couple tablespoons of cream or milk, increasing speed until you get a dreamy, fluffy texture. If the frosting is a bit stiff, a splash more cream will loosen it right up; if it’s runny, just add a bit more sugar. A tiny pinch of salt can work magic on the flavor too.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Level off the cake layers if needed (this makes stacking a breeze). Place your first layer on a serving platter, then generously spread buttercream frosting across. Stack the second cake layer and repeat—don’t skimp! Top with the third layer. For a professional finish, coat the cake in a crumb layer of frosting, then chill it briefly to set. After a short chill, cover the cake with a final, smooth layer of frosting, using your spatula to create elegant swirls or patterns. This step turns your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting into a true showpiece.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Bring the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting to life with your favorite decorations: think fresh edible flowers, a sprinkle of colorful jimmies, or even a flourish of berries or citrus zest. Serving at room temperature makes the texture absolutely perfect and the flavors shine.

How to Serve Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Let your personality shine with the garnishes! Edible flowers add elegance, while a scatter of sprinkles brings instant joy. If you’re a fruit fan, plump berries or passionfruit pulp make vibrant, tangy toppers. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar or fresh herbs can elevate your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting for any occasion.

Side Dishes

While this decadent cake is a star on its own, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a platter of fresh fruit, or even a dollop of tangy crème fraîche. A good cup of tea or a latte on the side will make the experience even sweeter, creating the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up or post-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Try slicing the Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting into narrow, tall strips for an elegant look at a dessert table. Make mini, individual cakes using biscuit cutters for parties, or transform leftover slices into cute layered trifle jars with berries and extra frosting. This recipe adapts beautifully to suit any gathering or celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake fresh and moist, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it under a cake dome at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, pop the cake in the fridge (well wrapped); let it come to room temperature before enjoying for the softest crumb and creamiest frosting.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead or save some for later, both the cake and buttercream freeze well. Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to three months. The buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer too—just bring to room temperature and re-whip for fluffiness when you’re ready to use it.

Reheating

While Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting tastes best at room temperature, you can gently soften chilled slices with a few seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat—just enough to take the chill off and make the buttercream luscious again.

FAQs

What makes buttermilk important for this cake?

Buttermilk brings a slight tang and tenderizing acidity to the batter, resulting in an ultra-soft crumb and subtle complexity that plain milk simply can’t match. It’s the secret to why Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is wonderfully moist and full of character.

Can I use store-bought buttermilk substitute?

Absolutely! If you don’t have real buttermilk on hand, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use it in place of regular buttermilk—it works beautifully in this recipe.

What’s the best way to get smooth, fluffy buttercream?

Always start with very soft, room-temperature butter and sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps. Beat the mixture well, scraping the bowl as you go, and adjust the consistency with cream or milk as needed. Your Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting will thank you!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and frost on the day of serving. Both the cake layers and frosting freeze well, so you can spread out the work and assemble when it’s convenient.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! This batter bakes up into gorgeous cupcakes. Simply fill lined cupcake tins two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes. Top with a swirl of buttercream for delightful single-serve Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting treats!

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting is truly a slice of happiness that’s destined to brighten any table. Give it a try—whether you’re celebrating something big or want to treat yourself to a little everyday magic, this cake is guaranteed to delight everyone lucky enough to get a piece! Happy baking!