Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf

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

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love baking this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf because it creates a warm, inviting aroma in my kitchen. The combination of rich butter and fragrant vanilla makes it a comforting treat for any occasion. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven with a bit of butter or simply on its own. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, making it a wonderfully versatile addition to my baking repertoire.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-16T08:21:36.874Z

Baking this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf brings back fond memories of my childhood when I would spend weekends with my grandmother in the kitchen. One of her secrets was the quality of butter she used, and I’ve adopted that practice too. I’ve found that using high-quality unsalted butter not only enhances the flavor but also results in a beautifully moist loaf.

While experimenting with different methods, I discovered that creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy really makes a difference in texture. It creates a crumb that is soft and tender, ensuring each slice melts in your mouth. This loaf is all about the little details that elevate the simple ingredients to something extraordinary.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The delightful aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Perfectly balanced richness with a light texture that isn't overly sweet.
So versatile - enjoy it on its own or dress it up with a glaze or icing.

The Role of Butter and Vanilla

Butter is the star of this Simple Butter Vanilla Loaf, providing richness and moisture that keeps the loaf tender and delicious. When creaming butter with sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture; this process incorporates air, which helps the loaf rise beautifully during baking. I always use unsalted butter, as it allows me to control the saltiness of the final product, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Vanilla extract not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking. With this recipe, using a high-quality pure vanilla extract is key—it offers a depth of flavor that synthetic alternatives simply can't replicate. If you're feeling adventurous, try substituting half the vanilla with almond extract for a delightful twist.

Baking Tips for Success

When combining dry and wet ingredients, take care not to overmix the batter. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf that lacks that airy crumb. The batter should be smooth but may have a few small lumps—it’s perfectly fine, and in fact, this helps maintain the loaf's light texture.

Be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf during the last few minutes of baking. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the loaf is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning while ensuring the inside cooks through.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delightful loaf.

Ingredients

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

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your loaf.

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixture

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

Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked loaf with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This loaf keeps exceptionally well, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed.

For an extra touch, consider glazing the loaf after it has completely cooled. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the top for additional sweetness and aesthetic appeal. This also makes it a lovely treat for gatherings or gifting.

Variations to Explore

While the base recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins. Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can elevate this loaf to new flavor heights. Just be careful not to alter the dry ingredient ratios too much when adding additional elements—keep the overall volume consistent for best results.

Another delightful variation is to infuse the milk with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg before adding it to the batter. This simple addition can create a warm, inviting flavor profile perfect for cozy mornings. Adjusting the vanilla by adding a touch of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can also provide a refreshing twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

→ How can I store the loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this loaf?

It's delicious on its own, or you can top it with butter, jam, or a sweet glaze.