Butter Cup Cake Recipe
Butter cup cakes are known for their rich flavor and soft, moist texture. When baked in individual cups, these mini-sized cakes make for a delightful dessert that’s easy to serve and enjoy.
This butter cup cake recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious, buttery treat that is perfect for any occasion. You can make these delightful cakes in just a few steps by using either a microwave or an oven.
Baking them in small cups makes them convenient, fun, and portioned just right for everyone!
Ingredients List
| Ingredients | Quantity for 1 Cup | Quantity for 2 Cups | Quantity for 4 Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Salt | Pinch | Pinch | Pinch |
Cooking Instruments Needed
| Instrument | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Microwave-safe cups or mugs | Small oven-safe cups |
| Mixing bowl | – |
| Whisk or spoon | – |
How to Make Butter Cup Cake
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients and tools. This recipe requires minimal effort but results in a deliciously soft and buttery cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Cup
Choose a microwave-safe cup or small oven-safe cup to bake your cake. Grease the inside of the cup with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
If you’re using multiple cups, repeat this step for each one.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Stir them well with a whisk or spoon to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will help the cake rise evenly during baking.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, add the sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth.
This step helps ensure that all the wet ingredients blend well before adding them to the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently until a smooth batter forms.
Be careful not to overmix, as that could result in a dense texture.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Cup
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared cup, filling it about two-thirds full. This will give the cake room to rise as it bakes.
If you’re making more than one cake, divide the batter evenly between the cups.
Step 6: Microwave the Cake (or Bake in the Oven)
- Microwave Method: Place the cup into the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. You can check the cake by inserting a toothpick or a fork into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cup cakes for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the Cake Cool Slightly
Allow the butter cup cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the texture to firm up a bit, making it easier to enjoy without burning yourself.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Serve the butter cup cake warm for a soft, gooey center.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Variation to Try
- Chocolate Butter Cake Cup: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to turn this butter cake into a chocolate-flavored treat.
- Fruit-Infused Butter Cake: Add a handful of fresh berries or sliced fruits to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Cinnamon Butter Cake Cup: Mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storing Tips
- Store any leftover butter cup cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cakes for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds until warm.
Extra Tips
- Use melted butter for the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute with oil if preferred.
- If you’re making multiple servings, remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may take a little longer to bake more than one cup at a time.
- For an extra rich flavor, add a small amount of buttermilk instead of regular milk.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Problem Caused | How to Fix/Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking the cake | Dry, crumbly texture | Microwave in 30-second intervals and check often. |
| Using too much batter | Cake overflows | Leave space at the top of the cup for the cake to rise. |
| Not greasing the cup | Cake sticks to the cup | Grease the cup well before adding the batter. |
| Overmixing the batter | Dense texture | Mix until just combined, being careful not to overdo it. |
Let’s Enjoy!
Your butter cup cake is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for a quick treat, a cozy dessert, or even as a fun addition to a party.
Try making it, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or pictures in the comments. Happy baking!
