Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, combine butter and water. Bring to a boil, then pour into the dry mixture and stir until smooth.
- Add sour cream (or buttermilk), eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the frosting:
- In a saucepan, melt butter with milk over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cake:
- While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the frosting over the top. Spread evenly.
- Allow it to set before cutting into squares.
✨ This cake is soft, moist, and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting – very Southern-style and perfect for gatherings.
Would you like me to also give you a fruit variation (like a Southern cobbler style with peaches or berries under the frosting)?