Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce

Soft, buttery, and drizzled with golden buttermilk sauce — this dessert is pure comfort in every bite.

If you’re looking for a cake that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce is it. The cake is rich, moist, and infused with the nostalgic flavor of real butter and vanilla, while the silky buttermilk sauce adds a luscious sweetness that seeps into every crumb.

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a simple weekend indulgence, this is the kind of timeless dessert that never goes out of style.

🧁 Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Unforgettable Texture: Soft, tender crumb with the perfect buttery richness.
• Irresistible Sauce: The warm buttermilk glaze adds moisture and depth to every bite.
• Simple & Elegant: Easy to make but impressive enough for guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavor gets even better after a day as the sauce soaks in.

🧈 Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Buttermilk Sauce

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cubed butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and melted butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fragrant and smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.

2️⃣ Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 10-inch baking pan or bundt pan with non-stick spray.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the pan.
4. Bake for 55–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing.

3️⃣ Make the Buttermilk Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter with sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Tip: Be cautious when working with hot sugar — it heats quickly!

4️⃣ Soak and Assemble

1. Run a knife along the edges of the cake and invert it onto a wire rack placed over wax paper.
2. Poke small holes all over the cake with a fork or skewer.
3. Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the warm buttermilk sauce over the cake.
4. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the sauce fully.

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve warm, with extra buttermilk sauce drizzled over each piece. For an elegant touch, pair it with:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A handful of fresh berries
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

💡 Pro Tips

• For deeper flavor: Let the cake rest overnight — it becomes even more moist and flavorful.
• Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week; reheat gently before using.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour.
• Make it extra rich: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese to the batter for added moisture.

🧊 How to Store

1. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool before wrapping.
2. Wrap Tightly: Use plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist.
3. Room Temperature: Store up to 2 days on the counter.
4. Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
5. Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Store the buttermilk sauce separately in the fridge and warm it slightly before drizzling over slices.

✨ Final Thoughts

This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce is the definition of comfort baking — simple ingredients, heavenly texture, and a flavor that feels like home. It’s perfect for celebrations, gifting, or those evenings when you just need something sweet and special.

So go ahead — bake, drizzle, and enjoy every tender, buttery bite. 💛