Are you craving a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cake but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then this Lazy Dog Butter Cake recipe is for you! This simple, yet incredibly delicious cake requires minimal effort and minimal ingredients, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Forget complicated techniques and fussy decorations; this recipe focuses on delivering rich, buttery flavor with effortless ease. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake; take your time! A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add Dry Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Incorporate Buttermilk:
- Gently stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Again, avoid overmixing.
Bake & Cool:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary.
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and allows the cake to set properly.
Frosting Suggestions (Optional):
This cake is delicious on its own, but a simple glaze or frosting takes it to the next level. Consider these options:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic pairing for butter cakes.
- Powdered Sugar Glaze: A light and easy option. Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth.
- Chocolate Ganache: For a richer, decadent treat.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and ½ cup of poppy seeds to the batter.
- Chocolate Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your servings and the type of frosting used. For a general idea, one serving (assuming 12 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
This Lazy Dog Butter Cake recipe is the epitome of easy baking. It's a perfect recipe for beginner bakers and a welcome shortcut for experienced ones. Enjoy!