We’ve always been captivated by Maggiano’s butter cake, that decadent Italian-American favorite that’s as rich as it is irresistible. Originating from the iconic restaurant chain, this buttery delight combines simple ingredients into a gooey-centered treat that’ll transport you straight to their cozy dining rooms.
In our kitchen experiments, we’ve perfected a homemade version of Maggiano’s butter cake recipe that captures its signature warmth and flavor. Whether you’re a baking novice or a pro, we’re excited to guide you through creating this crowd-pleaser that promises to wow at any gathering.
Ingredients
In our take on the classic Maggiano’s Butter Cake recipe, we gather these essential ingredients to capture its rich, buttery essence and gooey center. We’ve ordered them as they’ll be used in the preparation process for seamless baking.
Cake Base Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (for creaming with sugar to build the base)
- Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (to sweeten and create the signature texture)
- Large eggs: 3 (at room temperature, for binding and adding moisture)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (sifted, to form the structure)
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (for a light rise)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (to enhance flavors)
- Whole milk: 1 cup (for a tender crumb)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (for aromatic depth)
Filling Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces (for the indulgent gooey center)
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (to sweeten the filling)
- Large egg: 1 (for richness in the center)
This selection ensures our Maggiano’s Butter Cake delivers on its comforting, crowd-pleasing appeal—perfect for home bakers aiming for that authentic Italian-American flair.
Equipment Needed
To perfectly recreate our Maggiano’s Butter Cake with its rich, buttery layers and gooey center, we need a few essential tools that make the baking process smooth and efficient. Building on the ingredients we’ve selected, these items ensure precise preparation and optimal results for home bakers.
We recommend the following key equipment for this recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: Two or three medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients separately. In our experience, these help maintain the cake’s texture without transferring flavors.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer with beaters for creaming butter and sugar. This tool is crucial for achieving the light, airy batter that defines Maggiano’s Butter Cake.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard dry and liquid measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) along with spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.) for accurate measurements. We always emphasize precision to capture the dessert’s comforting flavors.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: A non-stick or greased cake pan of this size for baking the cake evenly. Opt for one with high sides to accommodate the gooey center without overflow.
- Spatula: A flexible silicone spatula for folding ingredients and scraping bowl sides. This versatile tool prevents over-mixing and helps preserve the cake’s signature moisture.
- Whisk: A medium-sized wire whisk for blending smaller batches, especially for the cream cheese filling.
- Oven: A conventional oven preheated to 350°F for even baking. Ensure it’s calibrated for consistent results, as temperature control is key to the cake’s golden crust.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack to cool the cake post-baking, allowing air circulation to prevent sogginess and enhance the buttery essence.
| Equipment | Primary Use | Estimated Time Saved (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Mixer | Creaming and mixing | 10-15 |
| Measuring Tools | Precise measurements | 5-10 |
| Cake Pan | Baking structure | N/A (essential for form) |
| Spatula/Whisk | Folding and blending | 5 |
| Oven/Cooling Rack | Baking and cooling | 20-30 (total process) |
Instructions
We walk you through preparing our take on the classic Maggiano’s Butter Cake, building on the ingredients and tools we’ve covered to achieve its signature gooey center and buttery richness.
Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan with unsalted butter or non-stick spray for easy release. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes—creating a smooth base that promises the cake’s indulgent texture.
Add 2 eggs one at a time beating well after each to incorporate air and enhance the cake’s rise. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for its warm aromatic notes. In a separate bowl whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until evenly combined.
Alternately add the dry mixture and 1/2 cup of whole milk to the wet ingredients starting and ending with the dry to avoid overmixing and keep the batter tender. For the filling beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 egg in another bowl until smooth and creamy evoking the cake’s irresistible gooey heart.
Bake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan spreading it evenly to form a solid base. Layer the cream cheese filling over the batter then top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center sets with a slight jiggle maintaining that coveted gooey interior. As it bakes the scents of butter and vanilla will fill your kitchen creating an inviting atmosphere for home bakers.
Cool and Assemble
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes allowing the flavors to settle and the structure to firm. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely preventing sogginess and preserving the rich buttery essence.
Once cooled slice the cake to reveal its layers and serve it fresh for the full experience of Maggiano’s Butter Cake‘s comforting Italian-American appeal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To ensure our Maggiano’s Butter Cake remains as irresistible as when it first comes out of the oven, we recommend thoughtful planning for make-ahead preparation and proper storage. This approach helps maintain the cake’s signature gooey center, rich buttery flavors, and comforting Italian-American appeal, allowing you to enjoy it fresh or reheated without compromising quality.
Making Ahead
We often prepare components of Maggiano’s Butter Cake in advance to simplify baking day. This method lets the flavors meld, enhancing the cake’s indulgent texture and taste.
- Batter Preparation: Start by mixing the cake batter as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Once combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to intensify, making the final bake even more delightfully moist and aromatic.
- Filling Preparation: Prepare the cream cheese filling separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let both the batter and filling sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even baking and that perfect gooey center.
- Assembly Tips: For optimal results, we advise assembling the cake just before baking. If you must assemble ahead, layer the batter and filling in the greased pan, cover it loosely, and refrigerate for no more than 12 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time to achieve golden edges and a soft interior.
Storing the Baked Cake
After baking and cooling our Maggiano’s Butter Cake, proper storage is key to preserving its fresh-baked charm. We store ours to lock in moisture and prevent the edges from drying out, ensuring every slice delivers that comforting, buttery essence.
The following table outlines recommended storage methods and durations based on our testing for best results:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature (around 68-72°F). This keeps the cake tender and easy to slice, but avoid humid environments to prevent sogginess. |
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore its soft, velvety texture and rich flavors—reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to revive the warm, gooey center and buttery aroma. |
By following these guidelines, we can enjoy the decadent flavors of Maggiano’s Butter Cake at our convenience, whether for spontaneous gatherings or planned events.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Maggiano’s butter cake and sharing our take on this timeless treat. It’s a simple way to bring authentic Italian-American warmth to your table and impress friends and family.
Next time you’re craving that gooey center and rich flavor give it a go—we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your baking routine. Enjoy every buttery bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maggiano’s butter cake?
Maggiano’s butter cake is a rich Italian-American dessert famous for its gooey center and comforting, buttery flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat often served at gatherings, blending a soft cake base with a creamy filling for an authentic homemade version.
What ingredients are needed for Maggiano’s butter cake?
For the cake base, you’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, whole milk, and vanilla extract. The filling requires cream cheese, granulated sugar, and an egg. These simple ingredients capture the dessert’s rich, buttery essence and gooey texture.
What equipment is required to make Maggiano’s butter cake?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a 9-inch round cake pan, a spatula, a whisk, and a conventional oven preheated to 350°F. These tools ensure precise preparation and help achieve the cake’s signature texture for a smooth baking process.
How do I prepare Maggiano’s butter cake step by step?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch pan. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients with milk. Prepare the filling separately. Layer batter and filling in the pan, bake until edges are golden and center is gooey, then cool before serving.
Can I make Maggiano’s butter cake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter and filling in advance to let flavors meld, improving texture. Assemble and bake just before serving, or bake fully and store as needed. This makes it ideal for planned events, ensuring fresh, delicious results with minimal last-minute effort.
How should I store Maggiano’s butter cake?
Store the baked cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to keep it moist and flavorful, preserving its gooey center and comforting appeal.