Butter Cake Recipe Sri Lankan Style Made Easy

Butter cake holds a special place in Sri Lankan kitchens, cherished for its rich, buttery flavor and delightfully moist texture. This beloved cake often brings families together, whether for a festive celebration or a comforting afternoon tea.

The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

In Sri Lanka, the butter cake recipe has been passed down through generations with slight regional twists, but the heart of the cake remains its creamy butter and velvety crumb. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a casual gathering, or just because, this butter cake will not disappoint.

Let’s dive into the authentic Sri Lankan butter cake recipe that you can easily recreate in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sri Lankan butter cake recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring basic pantry staples that you probably already have. The cake’s texture is luxuriously soft, thanks to the generous use of butter and eggs, while the subtle vanilla aroma makes every bite irresistible.

Unlike heavier cakes, this butter cake strikes a perfect balance—rich but not overwhelming.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruit or a cup of Ceylon tea.

The cake holds up well for several days, making it ideal to prepare in advance or for gifting. Plus, the recipe is forgiving, so it’s great for those just beginning to explore baking.

Ingredients

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 200g all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100ml whole milk, warmed
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sieve (for flour and baking powder)
• 8-inch round cake pan, greased and lined
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare your oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease the cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2. Sift dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and caster sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add eggs gradually. Crack the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain the smooth texture.
5. Incorporate vanilla extract. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix gently to combine.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Add the sifted flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the warmed milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Fold gently with a spatula or mix on low speed to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
7. Pour batter into the pan. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
9. Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Serve. Once cool, slice the cake and enjoy it plain or with your favorite accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.”

• Butter temperature: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This helps trap air during creaming for a fluffier cake.
• Room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle; let them come to room temperature before use.
• Flavor twists: Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice or zest for a tropical touch that’s popular in Sri Lankan baking.
• Chocolate variation: Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the flour for a rich chocolate butter cake.
• Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped cashews or almonds on top before baking for a delightful crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Sri Lankan butter cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Ceylon tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an indulgent treat, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit also complement the rich buttery flavor. Alternatively, dust the cake with icing sugar and garnish with toasted coconut for an authentic Sri Lankan touch.

For special occasions, you can frost the cake with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting, enhanced with a splash of lime zest for brightness.

Conclusion

The Sri Lankan butter cake is a timeless favorite that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Its buttery richness, tender crumb, and subtle vanilla notes make it a versatile cake for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and reliable.

By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a moist, flavorful cake that is sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations to suit your taste, and savor the warm tradition of Sri Lankan baking in every bite.

Happy baking!

For more delicious Sri Lankan inspired treats, check out our Wattalapam Recipe, Pol Sambol Recipe, and Kiribath Recipe to explore the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.

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