To begin, gather the following ingredients: 2 cups of unsalted butter, a pound of powdered sugar, 6 large eggs, 2 2/3 cups of cake flour, a pinch of salt (optional), and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and ready a 10-inch tube pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly.
Cut the chilled butter into tablespoons, beating it in an electric mixer until unified.
The key to a smooth cake batter is gradually incorporating the powdered sugar to avoid a cloud of sugar dust, blending until the mixture becomes creamy and light.
Eggs are added one by one, ensuring each is fully integrated before the next addition. This step is vital for a homogeneous mixture.
After the eggs, gently mix in the sifted cake flour (and salt if you’re using it) on low speed to prevent overworking the batter, which could lead to a tough cake.
The flour should be incorporated just enough to blend, maintaining the batter’s lightness. Stir in the vanilla extract last to infuse the batter with its rich flavor.
The prepared batter is then poured into the greased and floured tube pan, ready to bake.
The baking process is as much about patience as precision, requiring a keen eye to ensure the cake is perfectly done – golden, and springy to the touch.
Once baked, this cake serves 12 to 16 people, making it an ideal centerpiece for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions For A Leah Chase Butter Cake
Butter Cake’s richness and simplicity make it versatile in serving options.
For a classic presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar atop the golden crust adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors.
If you’re looking to complement its buttery essence, a side of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
Seasonal fruits, like berries in the summer or sautéed apples in the fall, can introduce a refreshing or comforting element, enhancing the cake’s inherent flavors.
For those who enjoy a hint of zest, a drizzle of citrus glaze made from lemon or orange juice mixed with powdered sugar can brighten the cake’s taste profile, offering a balance to its richness.
Alternatively, for a more decadent approach, a warm caramel sauce or a chocolate ganache can transform the cake into an indulgent dessert, perfect for special occasions.
Adaptations For Leah Chase’s Butter Cake
Adapting Leah Chase’s Butter Cake allows for creativity while respecting the original recipe’s essence.
For a gluten-free version, replace the cake flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s sifted to maintain the cake’s light texture. Incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the batter introduces a refreshing note that complements the buttery richness.
For those seeking a nutty dimension, adding finely chopped pecans or almonds can provide a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
Another variation could involve swirling a ribbon of cinnamon or cocoa powder mixed with a little sugar into the batter before baking, creating a marbled effect that adds a new layer of taste.
Top Tips For Making Leah Chase’s Butter Cake
Achieving the perfect Leah Chase Butter Cake requires attention to detail and an understanding of baking fundamentals.
First, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature facilitates smoother blending, which is especially crucial for the butter and eggs.
When creaming the butter and powdered sugar, take your time to achieve a light and fluffy texture, which is foundational to the cake’s structure.
As we mentioned earlier, adding eggs one at a time allows for better emulsification, contributing to the cake’s moistness.
Sifting the cake flour not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour, contributing to a tender crumb.
When incorporating the flour into the batter, do so gently and gradually to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
The oven should be preheated to the correct temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring a smooth release after baking.
Finally, watching the cake closely towards the end of the baking time can prevent overbaking, preserving its moist texture.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a slice of Leah Chase’s Butter Cake is like receiving a warm hug from the kitchen.
It’s a reminder of how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can produce something truly extraordinary.
Whether shared with family over a weekend brunch or with friends over a cup of tea, savor each bite and remember that the best dishes are those made with love and shared with others.
What is the difference between a butter cake and a pound cake?
Butter cake is light and fluffy with the use of leavening agents, whereas pound cake has a denser texture and is traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
What is gooey butter cake made of?
Gooey butter cake features a dense cake layer with a topping of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar, creating a rich and gooey texture.
Why is my butter cake dense?
A dense cake often results from overmixing the batter or not creaming the butter and sugar sufficiently, which doesn’t incorporate enough air.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 10-inch tube pan by greasing and flouring it.
Beat butter in an electric mixer until combined, then slowly add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then blend in flour and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top, and bake for about 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a rack before serving.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
