Name: Jamie Oliver Butter Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200g unsalted butter, softened; 200g caster sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 200g plain flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2–3 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Jamie Oliver Butter Cake is a simple, timeless bake that delivers a soft, velvety crumb and rich buttery flavour. It’s the kind of cake that feels nostalgic—light, fragrant, and perfect for tea, celebrations, or layering with frosting. The method is uncomplicated, yet the results taste bakery-worthy, making it a reliable recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
This Jamie Oliver Butter Cake serves 8–10 and takes around 50–60 minutes from mixing to baking, making it ideal for quick, comforting home baking.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Butter Cake Worth Making

Rich, buttery flavour that feels classic and indulgent.
Soft, moist crumb thanks to the creaming method and balanced wet–dry ratio.
Beginner-friendly recipe with simple, dependable steps.
Versatile base cake ideal for frosting, fruit toppings, or serving plain.
Stays fresh for days, making it great for make-ahead baking.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Butter Cake?

Jamie Oliver Butter Cake is a classic sponge-style cake made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. The batter is creamed, baked until golden, and served as a simple tea cake or used as a base for layered desserts.

Jamie Oliver Butter Cake Ingredients List

200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
200g plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk (if needed)

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How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Butter Cake – Simple Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round or loaf cake tin. Proper lining ensures the cake releases cleanly and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together for 3–4 minutes until pale and airy. This traps air in the mixture, helping the cake rise and develop a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla. If the mixture looks slightly curdled, don’t worry—it will smooth out when dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl. Fold gently using a spatula. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the mixture feels too thick; the batter should be smooth and drop easily from a spoon.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the batter into the tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 6: Serve Plain or Frost as You Like

Dust with icing sugar, drizzle with glaze, or top with cream. This cake works beautifully with berries, whipped cream, or lemon icing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Butter Cake

Using cold butter or eggs, which prevents proper aeration.
Overmixing after adding flour leads to a dense cake.
Baking at too high a heat, causing the top to burn before the centre cooks.
Adding too much milk makes the cake heavy.
Removing the cake too early from the tin causes breakage.

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Butter Cake

Fresh berries – Provide brightness and natural sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream – Melts into the warm cake beautifully.
Lemon curd – Adds tanginess and contrast.
Whipped cream – Light and airy pairing.
Warm custard – A homely and comforting addition.

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Butter Cake Just Right

Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
Cream the butter long enough to incorporate maximum air.
Test with a skewer to avoid underbaking the middle.
Cool completely before slicing for perfect texture.
Use quality vanilla—it enhances the overall flavour noticeably.

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Butter Cake

Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus lift.
Replace some milk with sour cream for extra moisture.
Stir in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Use brown butter to deepen the flavour profile.
Top with caramel or fruit glaze for a richer finish.

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver’s Butter Cake for Kids

Keep flavours simple—use extra vanilla and avoid strong citrus or spices. Bake in mini-muffin or cupcake form to make kid-friendly single portions.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Butter Cake Gluten-Free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Best Way to Store Butter Cake

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if frosted. This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat Butter Cake

Microwave: 8–10 seconds for a soft, freshly baked feel.
Oven: Warm at 150°C for 5 minutes to refresh texture.
Air fryer: 2 minutes at low heat to restore light crisp edges.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~310
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fibre: <1g

Best Butter to Use for Butter Cake

Unsalted, good-quality butter is ideal. European-style butter with a a higher fat content gives a richer flavour and a smoother crumb.

Can I Make Butter Cake Without a Mixer?

Yes. Cream the butter and sugar with a wooden spoon—just take your time. The texture will still be excellent if mixed well.

FAQs

Why is my butter cake not fluffy?

Butter cake can turn dense if the butter and sugar are not creamed long enough. Creaming introduces air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise. Using cold butter or overmixing after adding flour can also reduce fluffiness.

How do I keep butter cake moist?

Use room-temperature ingredients, avoid overbaking, and add 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the batter feels too thick. Storing the cake in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.

Can I use salted butter for Jamie Oliver’s Butter Cake?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you better control over flavour, but salted butter still works well without affecting the texture.

Why does my butter cake crack on top?

A cracked top usually happens when the oven temperature is too high or the batter rises too quickly. Baking at the correct temperature and placing the cake on the centre rack helps prevent this.

Final Words – Jamie Oliver Butter Cake

Jamie Oliver Butter Cake is a simple, elegant dessert that delivers classic flavour with minimal effort. Soft, buttery, and endlessly versatile, it’s the perfect everyday cake for tea time, celebrations, or dessert boards.