Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf

Name: Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup milk

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty

I absolutely adore baking, and this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf is one of my go-to recipes for an effortless yet delicious treat. The rich buttery flavor paired with the warm essence of vanilla fills my kitchen with an inviting aroma that makes everyone feel at home. Each slice is moist and tender, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even dessert. The best part? It takes minimal effort to whip up using pantry staples. You’ll find this loaf to be a comforting delight that everyone will love.

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2026-02-16T00:53:35.639Z

When I first tried making this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf, I didn't expect it to become a regular in my household. I used high-quality vanilla extract, which really elevates the flavor and rounds out the buttery notes beautifully. I remember the first time I sliced into a warm loaf; the aroma filled my kitchen and drew everyone in!

One tip I found helpful is to let the butter soften completely before mixing it with sugar to achieve that smooth, creamy texture. This step really makes a difference in ensuring an evenly baked crumb. Trust me; you won't regret giving this simple recipe a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich buttery flavor enhanced by pure vanilla extract
Moist crumb that stays fresh for days
Perfect for pairing with tea or coffee

Understanding the Ingredients

The beauty of this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf lies in its straightforward ingredient list, primarily featuring butter, sugar, and vanilla. Unsalted butter is preferred here as it allows you to control the salt level, ensuring the flavor is precisely balanced. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly. The rich buttery flavor plays a critical role in the loaf's moistness and is essential for achieving that tender crumb.

Granulated sugar contributes not only sweetness but also aids in creating the loaf's lovely texture. If you want to experiment, try swapping half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor and added moisture. Eggs, acting as a binding agent, provide structure while also enriching the loaf. For those avoiding eggs, a common substitution is using flaxseed meal mixed with water—about 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg—though it may change the taste slightly.

Baking Tips and Techniques

Achieving the perfect loaf requires careful attention while mixing your batter. When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure you aerate the mixture for a light and fluffy texture; this usually takes around 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. It's essential not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients to prevent a dense crumb. The goal is to combine just until the flour is incorporated, leaving some small lumps in the batter. This technique will ensure the loaf remains moist and tender.

When baking, keep an eye on the color of the loaf. You should aim for a golden-brown top, signaling it's cooked through. If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly tent a piece of aluminum foil over the loaf after 30 minutes to prevent burning. Testing with a toothpick is a reliable method to ensure it’s done; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a perfectly baked loaf.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Butter Vanilla Loaf is incredibly versatile for serving. You can enjoy it plain, or elevate it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a touch of sweetness. Slices can also be toasted and topped with butter or spreadable cream cheese, creating a delightful breakfast option. For a seasonal twist, consider serving it with a side of fresh berries or a smear of lemon curd, which complements the vanilla beautifully.

For storage, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices in an airtight bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you want a slice, or pop them in a toaster for a quick treat. This method keeps the loaf fresh and ready for whenever the craving strikes!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start baking:

For the Loaf

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until well combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy your delicious Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking.

Common Troubleshooting

If your loaf is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Remember to combine the ingredients just until you see no dry flour. Another common issue is a loaf that rises beautifully but then collapses in the center—this usually signifies that it was either overmixed or the oven temperature was too high. Always ensure your oven is correctly calibrated; an oven thermometer can verify your baking temperatures.

If you find that your loaf has come out dry, it could be a sign that it has been overbaked. Keep an eye on the baking time, and use the toothpick test as a guide. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour accurately, as too much flour can absorb moisture and lead to dryness.

Variations to Try

While this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf is delightful as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with mix-ins! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can create exciting flavor variations. If you prefer a citrus kick, a tablespoon of grated lemon or orange zest can brighten the loaf's flavor profile wonderfully. For an even richer experience, consider swirling in some homemade or store-bought vanilla pudding into the batter before baking.

Another way to adapt this recipe is by incorporating spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce warm undertones to the loaf, enhancing the vanilla's profile. Adjusting the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract can also create a distinct taste, making it a fun recipe to customize to your preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit the salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

→ How should I store the leftover loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this loaf?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.