Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe is a soft, buttery sponge cake made by creaming butter and sugar, then mixing eggs, flour, milk, and vanilla before baking.
I made this Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe because I remembered seeing it in a traditional family kitchen, where it was baked with love.
That memory inspired me to bake it myself. Now I will show up and show step by step how this classic Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe is made.
About This Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe
The Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe is a beloved traditional treat known for its rich, buttery texture and moist crumb.
Unlike many other butter cakes, it uses simple, high quality ingredients and emphasises the balance of sweetness with a subtle hint of vanilla.
Its dense yet tender texture makes it perfect for pairing with tea. The main speciality lies in its simplicity and timeless flavour, reflecting Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage while remaining a staple in local households and festive occasions.
How To Prepare Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert / Tea-time Cake
Yield: Serves 10 slices
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Main Kitchen Utensils
- 8-inch square cake pan
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve (for flour)
- Mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 250 g unsalted butter, softened (ideally at 73°F / 23°C)
- 250 g caster sugar
- 4 to 5 medium eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 79 mL whole milk
How To Make Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe?
1. Get The Oven And Cake Pan Ready
Set your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease an 8-inch square cake pan with butter, then place a round of baking paper at the bottom.
2. Cream The Butter And Sugar
Put softened butter in a large bowl and beat it until smooth and pale in colour. Slowly add the caster sugar and keep beating for another 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.
3. Add The Eggs And Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one by one, beating well after each. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix it through.
4. Sift The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Everything
Add the dry mixture to the wet in three parts, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or on a low setting if using a mixer just until everything is combined. Don’t over mix.
6. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and even out the top. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean.
7. Cool It Down
Let the cake sit in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 143 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 43 mg |
| Sodium | 33 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
➤ Provides a good source of energy due to the combination of butter, sugar, and eggs, furling the body for daily activities.
➤ Contains protein from eggs, which supports muscle repair and growth.
➤ Supplies carbohydrates from flour, helping maintain blood sugar levels and supporting brain function.
➤ Offers essential fats from unsalted butter, important for brain function and hormone production.
➤ Includes calcium and vitamin D from milk, contributing to strong bones and teeth.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve warm alongside a cup of strong black tea to enhance the cake’s rich flavors.
2. Pair slices with fresh tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple for a refreshing contrast.
3. Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup to add natural sweetness.
4. Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for added creaminess.
5. Enjoy as a base for a layered dessert by adding fresh berries and custard.
Hot Tips For Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe
➣ Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
➣ Sift flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps.
➣ Add eggs one at a time to maintain a creamy batter.
➣ Bake at a consistent temperature to achieve a golden, even crust.
➣ Use room temperature milk to help the batter blend evenly.
Why We Love This Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe?
Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe captures hearts because of its rich, tender crumb and balanced sweetness. The use of quality butter and eggs creates a moist texture that melts in the mouth.
Each bite offers a comforting, nostalgic experience linked to Sri Lankan traditions and celebrations. The subtle vanilla flavour enhances without overpowering, making every slice delightful.
This Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe brings warmth and joy, often shared among family and friends, creating lasting memories through its timeless taste and delightful richness.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist for up to three days.
For longer storage, wrap the Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe can also be frozen by wrapping well and storing in a freezer safe bag for up to three months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead Of Unsalted Butter?
Using salted butter is possible, but reduce or omit added salt to avoid over salting the cake.
How Many Eggs Are Best For This Cake?
Four to five medium eggs provide the right balance for moisture and structure.
Can I Substitute Milk With A Non Dairy Alternative?
Yes, almond or soy milk can be used, but the flavour and texture might vary slightly.
How To Know When The Cake Is Done Baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
I hope you find this Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe easy to follow and enjoy the delicious success it brings. Baking this Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe is simple, and the results are wonderfully soft and flavourful. I believe it will inspire you to try it soon in your kitchen.
Please let me know how delicious it turns out. I’m excited for you to experience this classic Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe and share your thoughts!
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Sri Lankan Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 8-inch square cake pan
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve (for flour)
- Mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour sifted
- 250 g unsalted butter softened (ideally at 73°F / 23°C)
- 250 g caster sugar
- 4 to 5 medium eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 79 mL whole milk
Instructions
Get The Oven And Cake Pan Ready
- Set your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease an 8-inch square cake pan with butter, then place a round of baking paper at the bottom.
Cream The Butter And Sugar
- Put softened butter in a large bowl and beat it until smooth and pale in colour. Slowly add the caster sugar and keep beating for another 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.
Add The Eggs And Vanilla
- Crack in the eggs one by one, beating well after each. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix it through.
Sift The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Everything
- Add the dry mixture to the wet in three parts, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or on a low setting if using a mixer just until everything is combined. Don’t over mix.
Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and even out the top. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean.
Cool It Down
- Let the cake sit in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 143 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 43 mg | Sodium: 33 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 9 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”