Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of baking with our Treebeard’s Butter Cake Recipe! Inspired by the majestic Ent from J.R.R.
Tolkien’s Middle-earth, this cake embodies the richness and comforting simplicity you’d expect from a woodland giant’s favorite treat. Imagine a moist, buttery cake with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, perfect for any occasion—from cozy afternoon teas to festive celebrations.
This recipe combines classic baking elements with just the right touch of magic, promising a cake that’s both nostalgic and timeless.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, Treebeard’s Butter Cake offers a straightforward method with rewarding flavors. The cake’s buttery aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather ‘round.
So, tie your apron and let’s dive into this enchanting recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter cake stands out for its simplicity and rich flavor. It uses basic pantry staples but yields a cake that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
The cake stays moist for days and pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.
Treebeard’s Butter Cake is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers because it relies on classic creaming techniques and straightforward mixing. You’ll love how versatile it is—you can add your own twists like lemon zest, vanilla bean, or even a light glaze.
Best of all, it’s a recipe that invites creativity while delivering consistent deliciousness. If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also want to explore our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more culinary inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange for extra flavor
Equipment
- 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Toothpick or cake tester
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan well or line it with parchment paper for an easy release.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 4-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate them fully and maintain the airy texture.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and, if using, the citrus zest. This adds a refreshing depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition just until combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is or dust with powdered sugar, glaze, or frosting of your choice. Enjoy the moist, buttery goodness!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra moist cake, substitute half of the milk with sour cream or yogurt.”
Feel free to experiment with flavors. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or swapping the citrus zest for a tablespoon of cocoa powder can create delightful variations.
For a festive touch, fold in ½ cup of fresh berries or chocolate chips before baking.
To keep your cake fresh longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving, warm it slightly to revive its buttery softness.
If you enjoy baking, you’ll love exploring more dessert recipes like our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or the elegant Chiffon Cake Recipe Vegan: Light, Fluffy, and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
Treebeard’s Butter Cake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries for a decadent dessert.
- Pair a slice with your favorite cup of tea or coffee for an inviting afternoon treat.
- Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for special occasions.
- Use it as a base for layered cakes by slicing it horizontally and adding fruit preserves or frosting.
If you’re seeking more fresh and easy ideas, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or warm your soul with our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Conclusion
Treebeard’s Butter Cake is a timeless classic that’s simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Its buttery richness and moist crumb make it an ideal cake for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a comforting homemade treat.
The recipe’s easy-to-follow steps and pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can whip it up anytime, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.
As you enjoy each bite, you’ll appreciate how this cake connects tradition with everyday moments, much like the wise Ents of Middle-earth themselves. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes on our site to expand your culinary repertoire.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Treebeard's Butter Cake
Description: A rich and moist butter cake inspired by the ancient Ent, Treebeard. This cake combines simple ingredients for a timeless, earthy flavor.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g
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