Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Spring has always been my favorite time to bake. I remember one crisp morning, sunlight streaming through my kitchen window, and the faint scent of blooming flowers drifting in from the garden. I wanted to bake something that felt like the season itself: light, warm, and cheerful. That day, the Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake was born. Every bite is buttery, soft, and has just the right hint of sweetness.
This cake has quickly become a staple in my home. I make it whenever I want to bring a little sunshine into our afternoons. Friends and family love it, and I can’t help but smile when someone takes that first bite and their eyes light up. This is the magic of baking for me simple ingredients transforming into moments of joy. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a tea party, or just yourself, this loaf cake is pure comfort.
The Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake is exactly what it sounds like: buttery, tender, and uncomplicated. I’ve made it countless times and experimented with different flours, butter types, and baking temperatures to perfect it. Today, I want to share my tried-and-true version, sprinkled with little kitchen secrets that I’ve learned over the years.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a loaf cake. Unlike cookies or layered cakes, a loaf cake is forgiving it doesn’t demand precise piping or decoration skills. Yet, the aroma of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen gives an instant sense of accomplishment.
For me, baking is a way of expressing love. When I serve this cake to my family, I watch them savoring each bite, and I remember why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. This cake is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to share with guests. Its golden crust, soft crumb, and buttery flavor are timeless.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can keep it classic, or add spring-inspired touches like lemon zest, edible flowers, or a light glaze. It’s my canvas for creativity and celebration of the season.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy loaf cake:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 200g plain flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 60ml whole milk, at room temperature
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange for a spring twist
Kitchen Secrets:
- Always use room-temperature butter and eggs it makes your batter smooth and prevents curdling.
- Sift your flour and baking powder together; it ensures your loaf rises evenly and stays light.
- For extra richness, I sometimes fold in a spoonful of sour cream it keeps the crumb super soft.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I usually take 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract here.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.
- If you’re adding citrus zest or other flavorings, gently fold them in at this stage.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly springy.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How I Serve It at Home
I love slicing this cake slightly warm, with a pat of butter melting on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes I serve it with a cup of tea or a bowl of fresh berries. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even as a light dessert.
When I host friends, I often cut the cake into thick slices and place them on a wooden board with fresh flowers. Presentation matters, and this loaf cake looks stunning with minimal effort.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This cake keeps beautifully:
- Room temperature: Wrap in cling film or store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Can last up to 7 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Slice the cake, wrap each slice in parchment and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds it tastes freshly baked.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the batter the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake the next morning for a fresh loaf.
100-Word Short Version
The Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake is my go-to treat for cozy afternoons. Soft, buttery, and tender, it’s a delight for family and friends. I cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and vanilla, then fold in flour and milk for a smooth batter. Optional citrus zest adds a spring touch. Bake in a lined loaf pan until golden and springy, then cool on a rack. Slice and serve with tea, fresh berries, or a light glaze. Store wrapped at room temperature, in the fridge, or freeze slices for later. Quick, easy, and irresistibly comforting!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 50–60 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>200g unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>200g caster sugar</li> <li>4 large eggs, room temperature</li> <li>200g plain flour, sifted</li> <li>2 tsp baking powder</li> <li>1/2 tsp salt</li> <li>2 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>60ml whole milk, room temperature</li> <li>Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.</li> <li>Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.</li> <li>Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla extract.</li> <li>Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and milk alternately until smooth.</li> <li>Add citrus zest if desired.</li> <li>Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.</li> <li>Bake 50–60 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.</li> <li>Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter.
- Sifting flour and baking powder keeps the loaf light.
- Can be frozen or made ahead.
- Optional citrus zest adds freshness.
🍽️ Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover my Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake, a tender and buttery treat perfect for cozy afternoons. Light, fluffy, and full of flavor, this cake is easy to bake and perfect for family and friends. Add a touch of citrus zest for a fresh spring twist!
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 200g plain flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 60ml whole milk, room temperature
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla extract.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and milk alternately until smooth.
- Add citrus zest if desired.
- Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Sift flour and baking powder for a light crumb. Can be frozen or made ahead. Optional citrus zest adds freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 80
Conclusion
Baking this Simple Spring Butter Loaf Cake is more than just making a dessert it’s about creating moments. The smell of butter and vanilla, the golden crust, and soft crumb evoke warmth and joy. I hope it brings the same happiness to your home as it does mine. Enjoy this cake with those you love, and let every slice be a little celebration of the season, family, and the simple pleasures in life.