Classic Vanilla Butter Cake with Buttermilk Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

For the Buttermilk Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup buttermilk

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 tbsp corn syrup (optional, for shine)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp baking soda

For Serving (Optional)

Vanilla ice cream

Fresh berries

Whipped cream

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square pan.

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.

Bake 25-30 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—lumpy batter = tender cake!

2. Prepare the Buttermilk Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar, buttermilk, butter, and corn syrup.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 mins, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda (it will foam slightly!).

3. Soak & Serve

Poke warm cake all over with a fork.

Slowly pour sauce over the cake, letting it soak in.

Let sit 10 mins before serving.

🍯 Serving Idea: Top with vanilla ice cream for a hot-cold contrast!