Old-Fashioned Glazed Butter Cake Bars

Soft, buttery, and wonderfully moist, these Old-Fashioned Glazed Butter Cake Bars are a delicious homemade treat! Made with simple pantry ingredients and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they have golden edges, a tender center, and a rich buttery flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1½ teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 2–3 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, but do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for approximately 5–10 minutes.
8. Spread the glaze evenly over the slightly warm cake.
9. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into rectangular bars.
Quick Tips
– Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
– Don’t overbake to keep the cake moist.
– Pour glaze over slightly warm cake for a beautiful finish.
– Add a little lemon zest for a refreshing flavor.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nut Information: No peanuts or tree nuts are included in the basic recipe. Check ingredient labels for possible cross-contact.

Enjoy these delicious, buttery glazed cake bars with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk! ❤️

Q\A

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) – Old-Fashioned Glazed Butter Cake Bars 🍰
Q1: Can I make these glazed butter cake bars ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them a day ahead and store in an airtight container. They stay soft and delicious.

Q2: Why are my cake bars dry?

They may have been overbaked or too much flour was added. Measure the flour accurately and check for doneness early.

Q3: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.

Q4: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used as a substitute.

Q5: When should I add the glaze?

Add the glaze when the cake is slightly warm, not piping hot, so it spreads beautifully without completely melting.

Q6: Can I add lemon flavor?

Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the glaze for a refreshing twist.

Q7: How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes! Try replacing each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. The texture may be slightly denser.

Q9: Can I freeze glazed butter cake bars?

Yes! Freeze individual slices in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Q10: Can I use a different baking pan?

Yes! An 8 × 8-inch pan works too, but the cake will be thicker and require additional baking time.

Q11: How should I store leftover cake bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Q12: Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch. Fold approximately ½ cup into the batter.

Q13: Are these cake bars nut-free?

The basic recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts, but always check ingredient labels for possible cross-contact.

Q14: Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes! Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Q15: What can I serve with these cake bars?

They’re delicious with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Q16: Can I make these bars extra buttery?

Yes! Add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to the batter for a richer buttery flavor.