We were immediately drawn to Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake for its moist buttery crumb that reminds us of childhood birthdays. Betty Crocker has been a household name for decades and this recipe showcases why.
We love how simple ingredients come together to create a cake that’s sweet yet light. It’s perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to lazy weekend baking.
We’ll walk you through each step so you can enjoy this timeless classic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen you’ll savor every buttery slice.
Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Crack in one egg at a time beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl whisk all-purpose flour baking powder and salt.
- Alternate wet and dry: Pour one-third of the flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Stir gently. Add half of the milk followed by another one-third of the flour mixture. Stir again. Pour in the remaining milk then mix in the final one-third of the flour.
- Blend in vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Prep baking pan: Grease and flour your preferred cake pan.
- Pour batter: Transfer the Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake batter to the prepared pan leveling it gently.
- Bake: Place in a preheated 350°F oven. Follow the recommended bake times in the table below. Remove the cake when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
| Pan Size | Bake Time |
|---|---|
| 8-inch round pan | 30 to 35 minutes |
| 9-inch round pan | 25 to 30 minutes |
- Cool and serve: Set the pan on a wire rack until the cake cools. Slide a knife around the edges then invert the cake onto a plate. Decorate with your favorite frosting or enjoy this classic cake plain.
Ingredients
Below is a breakdown of the essential items we need for our Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake. Precise measurements help us keep the crumb moist and the flavor balanced.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Salted butter | 1 cup | Softened |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups | – |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | Sifted if we desire |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | – |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | – |
| Whole milk | 1 1/4 cups | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | – |
Baking with softened butter ensures our batter whips up smoothly. We measure sugar precisely using standard measuring cups. We keep our eggs at room temperature to help them blend seamlessly. After sifting our flour we combine it with baking powder and salt for an even rise. Whole milk at room temperature mixes easily with the dry ingredients. Finally the vanilla extract infuses a subtle sweetness.
Tools & Equipment
We depend on these essential items to create our Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake Recipe with ease and consistency:
- Large mixing bowl
We use this to combine our butter and sugar first then incorporate the remaining ingredients
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Helps us cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a light fluffy texture
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ensures accurate amounts for dry and wet ingredients
- Fine-mesh sieve or sifter
Aids us in aerating the flour to encourage even rising
- Rubber spatula
Makes it simple to scrape down the bowl so we do not miss any batter
- Cake pans
We recommend 9-inch round pans or a 9×13 inch cake pan
Refer to the table below for our suggested pan sizes and approximate bake times
| Pan Size | Bake Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 9-inch rounds | 25 to 30 |
| 9×13 inch pan | 30 to 35 |
| Bundt pan | 35 to 40 |
- Cooling rack
Make-Ahead Tips
We can bake our Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake layers up to two days in advance. We let them cool completely. We wrap each layer in plastic wrap to seal in moisture. We keep the wrapped layers at room temperature if we plan to frost them within 48 hours. We refrigerate them if we need more time. We set the wrapped layers on the counter for about an hour before frosting to bring them to room temperature.
We can also freeze our layers for extended storage. We wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. We thaw them in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use. We recommend assembling and frosting once they are fully thawed to maintain a soft texture.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Airtight container at room temp | Up to 2 days |
| Refrigerated (tightly wrapped) | Up to 3 days |
| Frozen (double-wrapped in plastic) | Up to 2 months |
Directions
Let’s walk through these steps to make our moist and buttery Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake. We will begin with the essential prep work to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan
- Sift together the all-purpose flour baking powder and salt into a medium bowl
- Measure out the whole milk and ensure it is at room temperature
- Keep the eggs and salted butter at room temperature for easy mixing
Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl cream softened butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy
- Add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition
- Reduce the speed to low and alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients and the room-temperature milk
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to keep the batter even
- Stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle aroma and lightly sweet finish
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake according to the following table:
| Pan Size | Approximate Bake Time | Oven Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Two 9-inch rounds | 25 to 30 minutes | 350°F |
| One 9×13-inch pan | 30 to 35 minutes | 350°F |
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean the cake is ready.
Cool & Frost
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for several minutes. Turn it out onto a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. We can enjoy it plain or finish it with our favorite frosting or a quick dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
We slice our Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake and enjoy it plain for a truly buttery taste. We also enhance our cake in these delicious ways:
- We top it with rich chocolate ganache for a bold finishing touch.
- We whip up fresh cream and spread it on top to highlight the cake’s fluffy crumb.
- We layer fruit preserves like strawberry jam or apricot for a sweet yet simple upgrade.
- We sprinkle chopped nuts or shaved coconut to add subtle crunch and flavor.
Below is a quick reference table with topping ideas and their flavor impact:
| Topping | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Ganache | Deep cocoa sweetness |
| Whipped Cream | Light airy smoothness |
| Berry Preserves | Sweet fruity contrast |
| Chopped Nuts | Slightly salty crunch |
We serve each slice warm or at room temperature. We drizzle extra sauce or garnish with fresh berries if we want a festive finish. We sometimes quote our friends who say “This cake needs no fancy additions” because the buttery crumb stands on its own.
Conclusion
We hope this timeless dessert brings warmth and sweet aromas to your kitchen. It’s become a comforting staple in our home and always delivers that special homemade taste. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with toppings the warm buttery crumb is sure to win over any crowd. Give it a spot in your recipe collection and let it bring everyone together for fond memories and satisfied smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Betty Crocker Bonnie Butter Cake unique?
This cake stands out for its moist and buttery texture. It tastes nostalgic, reminding many people of childhood birthdays. Simple ingredients like salted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract create a sweet but not overpowering flavor. It’s ideal for various occasions, from festive parties to a simple weekend dessert. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, following the recipe’s clear steps ensures you’ll have a soft, delicious cake every time.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes. If you prefer unsalted butter, simply add a small pinch more salt to balance the flavor. Salted butter enhances taste, but unsalted can work just as well. Adjust it to your preference or even use whichever type you have on hand. The key is ensuring the butter is softened to room temperature, so it creams smoothly with sugar and blends well with the other ingredients.
How should I measure the dry ingredients?
Use measuring cups or a digital scale for accuracy. First, sift your flour with baking powder and salt to remove lumps and lighten the mixture. Spoon the flour gently into the measuring cup and level it with a straight edge. Proper measuring avoids dense or uneven cakes, ensuring the batter remains light and airy during mixing and baking.
What is the suggested baking temperature and time?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For two 9-inch round pans, bake about 25–30 minutes. A 9×13 inch pan may take about 30–35 minutes. Always test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it’s ready. Adjust time slightly depending on your oven’s accuracy.
Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?
Yes. Bake and cool the layers completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can leave them at room temperature for up to two days or store in the fridge if needed. For longer storage, freeze layers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving. This approach saves time and locks in moisture until you’re ready to assemble.
How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Wrap any remaining cake slices or cover the pan tightly to preserve freshness. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days if it’s not too warm or humid. Otherwise, refrigerate it for up to four or five days. If you plan to store it longer, freeze individual slices. Quick reheating or letting it sit at room temperature before serving revives the cake’s moist texture.
What toppings go well with this cake?
Classic frosting, whipped cream, or a rich chocolate ganache are great choices. You can also add fresh fruit, fruit preserves, or even chopped nuts for extra crunch. Dusting the top with powdered sugar or coconut flakes adds a simple yet elevated touch. The cake’s buttery base pairs nicely with both subtle and bold flavors, so you can easily customize it for any event.
How can I check if my cake is done without overbaking?
Use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with dry crumbs, it’s done. The cake should also start pulling slightly from the edges of the pan. Overbaking dries out the cake, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. Once it’s finished, let it cool briefly in the pan before transferring to a rack.