Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe is a mouthwatering dessert that has garnered a loyal following for its delightful combination of soft, fluffy cake topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that can be enjoyed on any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Maggiano’s Butter Cake, from ingredients and instructions to tips for success and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to recreate this classic dessert in your own kitchen with ease!
What is Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe?
Maggiano’s Butter Cake is a beloved dessert served at Maggiano’s restaurants. It features a rich butter cake that is soft, moist, and light, with a tender crumb. This cake is typically topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream, making it the ideal dessert for any celebration or special meal. It’s a delightful treat for people of all ages and can easily be customized to suit different preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is as approachable as it is delicious.
- Customizable: You can top this cake with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or any other topping of your choice, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can create this classic dessert in no time.
- Perfect for Any Celebration: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a casual family dinner, Maggiano’s Butter Cake is the perfect way to end your meal.
Let’s dive right into the details of how to make this perfect Maggiano’s Butter Cake!
Ingredients for Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe
For the Butter Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready for baking and helps the cakes rise evenly. While preheating, you can prepare the pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans
Grease small round cake pans (approximately 4 inches in diameter) with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the cakes once baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the mixture. After the eggs are mixed in, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt together. Sifting the dry ingredients helps aerate the flour and creates a smoother batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 7: Pour Batter into the Pans
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, filling each pan about halfway to leave room for the cakes to rise as they bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. If you’re using larger pans, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cakes firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Step 10: Add Toppings
Once the cakes have cooled completely, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Top with fresh strawberries and add a generous dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Serve and enjoy your homemade Maggiano’s Butter Cake!
Tips and Praise for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them mix together more easily and results in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, heavy cake. Mix the ingredients only until they are just combined to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking the cakes at the 25-minute mark. If you’re unsure whether the cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Some people prefer adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness.
Nutritional Facts about Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on a 1/6th slice of cake):
Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
Calories | 350 |
Total Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Cholesterol | 90mg |
Sodium | 100mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 28g |
Protein | 4g |
Vitamin A | 12% |
Calcium | 4% |
Iron | 4% |
FAQs About Maggiano’s Butter Cake
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. However, if you do, be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to maintain the balance of flavors.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or low-fat milk. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly depending on the milk you choose.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you need a larger cake. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness starting at 45-50 minutes for a larger batch.
What to Serve with Maggiano’s Butter Cake?
Maggiano’s Butter Cake is versatile and can be served with a wide variety of dishes and drinks. Here are a few suggestions:
- Eggs Benedict for a decadent brunch pairing.
- After a hearty pasta dish like San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese or Fettuccine Alfredo.
- A fruit tart or chocolate lava cake as part of a dessert spread.
- A cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness of the cake.
Conclusion; Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe
Making Maggiano’s Butter Cake at home is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious dessert that rivals the restaurant version. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself and your loved ones, this butter cake is sure to impress.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and feel free to get creative with your toppings and variations. Enjoy baking and indulging in this sweet, buttery delight!