Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce — The Southern Comfort Dessert That Needs No Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 8–10)
For the Vanilla Butter Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the Buttermilk Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
💡 Pro Tips:
- Room-temp ingredients = smoother batter, better rise
- Real buttermilk only—not milk + vinegar substitute (texture differs)
- Don’t skip baking soda in sauce—it creates the signature “buttery foam” texture
