Buttermilk Cake Recipe – Light, Moist, and Perfect for Summer

Introduction: A Summer Slice of Comfort

There’s something timeless about a buttermilk cake recipe . It’s the kind of dessert that feels at home on a picnic table, alongside a glass of sweet tea, or as the centerpiece of a Sunday dinner. Lightly tangy, wonderfully moist, and not too sweet, this buttermilk cake recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor.

I first learned to make this cake from my grandmother, who swore that buttermilk was the secret to everything from tender biscuits to the best summer cakes. And she wasn’t wrong. This cake is a celebration of those Southern roots easy to make, hard to mess up, and impossible to forget once you’ve had a slice.

Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a lemon glaze, this cake is all about comfort and flavor with a summer twist.

What Makes a Buttermilk Cake Special?

At first glance, buttermilk cake recipe might seem like just another ingredient but in baking, it’s a game-changer. This buttermilk cake recipe is proof that a humble ingredient can deliver unmatched texture and depth.

Buttermilk is slightly acidic, which means it reacts beautifully with baking soda or baking powder to create a soft, airy crumb. It also tenderizes the flour’s gluten, making cakes light and fluffy rather than dense or dry. The result is a cake that stays moist for days with a subtle tang that balances sweetness.

Beyond the science, buttermilk adds an old-fashioned character to desserts. It brings a gentle richness without heaviness, making it ideal for summer baking when you want something satisfying but not overly rich. It’s the secret ingredient behind many Southern favorites and one of the reasons this cake is a timeless classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk, this cake is moist, tender, and never dry.
Balanced Flavor: A light tang from the buttermilk offsets the sweetness, making every bite flavorful but not overly rich.
Versatile: Serve it plain, with fresh berries, a glaze, or even layered with whipped cream and fruit.
Summer-Friendly: It’s light enough to enjoy in warm weather, especially when chilled or paired with a citrus topping.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy tools just simple ingredients and straightforward baking.
Great for All Occasions: Perfect for backyard dinners, afternoon tea, or bringing to a summer potluck.

This recipe is the kind of cake you’ll find yourself baking more than once, whether you’re hosting or just want a treat to enjoy through the week.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Dry Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 tablespoon lemon zest (for a citrus twist)
½ cup fresh berries or chopped fruit
Powdered sugar for dusting, or a simple glaze for topping

This ingredient list creates a small, moist cake perfect for a family of four, with just enough leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
- Pour in the buttermilk, mix gently.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated do not overmix.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or glaze, if desired, and slice to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This buttermilk cake recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s also a perfect canvas for seasonal flavors and elegant touches. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

Fresh and Simple

Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with hot coffee or iced tea.
Slice and enjoy chilled on a warm summer day for a refreshing treat.

Topped with Fruit

Add a handful of fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries pair beautifully with the subtle tang of buttermilk.
Sliced peaches or nectarines can add a southern summer feel.

With a Drizzle or Glaze

Try a lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
A vanilla glaze or thin layer of cream cheese frosting also complements the cake’s texture.

As a Dessert Base

Turn it into a shortcake by layering slices with whipped cream and macerated berries.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Use an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy chilled for a denser, more refreshing texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Make-Ahead Tip

Bake the cake one day in advance and store it covered. If glazing, wait to add the glaze just before serving to maintain a smooth finish.

Variations

Lemon Buttermilk Cake

Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter and finish with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Berry Swirl Cake

Fold ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries into the batter just before baking, or swirl in a few spoonfuls of jam for a marbled effect.

Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Cake

Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.

Spiced Buttermilk Cake

Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor perfect if you want a late summer or early fall twist.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Be sure to follow the brand’s guidance for best results.

Dairy-Free Twist

Use a plant-based butter and dairy-free buttermilk alternative (such as oat milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar) for a dairy-free version.

Occasions and Pairings

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Cake

Summer Picnics and BBQs: Light, flavorful, and not overly sweet, it’s a great dessert that won’t feel too heavy after a big meal.
Afternoon Tea or Coffee Breaks: Serve slices alongside tea or a strong coffee for a simple but satisfying treat.
Brunch Gatherings: A beautiful addition to brunch buffets, especially when topped with berries or a drizzle of glaze.
Potlucks and Church Suppers: Easy to transport and universally appealing, this cake is a dependable favorite for any crowd.

Pairing Ideas

Beverages: Try pairing with sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold brew coffee in summer. For a more decadent pairing, a small glass of dessert wine or a honey liqueur complements the tangy notes.
With Fruit: Serve alongside a fruit salad or compote stone fruits, citrus segments, or mixed berries all work beautifully.
With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream enhances the texture and turns this cake into a plated dessert.

Pro Tips for Baking with Buttermilk

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are all at room temperature. This helps the batter mix evenly and creates a smoother texture.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

After adding the flour and buttermilk, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.

3. Use Real Buttermilk if Possible

While homemade substitutes (like milk with lemon juice) work in a pinch, real cultured buttermilk gives the best rise and flavor.

4. Adjust for Altitude and Humidity

If you’re baking in a very humid or high-altitude area, keep an eye on baking time and test doneness with a toothpick.

5. Don’t Skip the Acid-Alkali Reaction

Buttermilk reacts with baking soda or baking powder to create lift. Be sure to include both if called for this ensures the cake rises properly.

6. Let the Cake Cool Fully Before Topping

If you plan to dust with powdered sugar or add a glaze, wait until the cake is fully cooled to avoid melting or soggy spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
A: You can substitute by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Q: What size pan should I use?
A: An 8-inch round or square pan works well. For thinner slices, a 9-inch pan will also work but reduce the baking time slightly.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, it doubles easily. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes, checking with a toothpick.

Q: Is this cake sweet enough to serve as a dessert?
A: Absolutely. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, which makes it perfect for pairing with glazes, fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
A: Yes. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Share Your Buttermilk Cake Creation

Tried this buttermilk cake recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.

Leave a comment below did you add berries, top it with glaze, or make it your own special way? Your tips and twists might inspire another reader’s perfect cake.

And if you’re on social media, tag your photos with #MyButtermilkBake so others can see your delicious creation.