If you love cakes that are rich, buttery, and deliciously simple, then the Danish Butter Cake Recipe is perfect for you.
This Danish Butter Cake Recipe has a wonderfully soft texture, thanks to the generous amount of butter in the recipe.
It’s not overly sweet, making it an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys a more subtle, elegant dessert. As a food enthusiast, I find that this Danish Butter Cake Recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor and ease.
With just a few basic ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make but tastes like something special. You’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this Danish Butter Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
In this post, I’ll take you through every step of how to make a mouthwatering Danish Butter Cake Recipe, along with tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to get it just right.
Basic Information Of Danish Butter Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Danish, Scandinavian
Calories: 450
Yield: 10 servings
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need
Before we get into the ingredients and the process, it’s helpful to gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Electric Mixer,
- Mixing Bowls,
- Whisk,
- Spatula,
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan,
- Measuring Cups,
- Spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk or heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 5/8 cup (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 5/8 cup (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) brown sugar (light or dark)
- 5/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups sliced almonds (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Base:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk (or heavy cream). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly.
2. Prepare the Topping:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon (if using), until you have a crumbly mixture. Gently fold in the sliced almonds, if desired.
3. Assemble and Bake:
1. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve:
1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve once fully cooled.
Special Note
One of the best things about this Danish Butter Cake Recipe is its versatility. If you want to add more flavor, feel free to experiment with citrus zest (like lemon or orange) or even a dash of almond extract.
If you’re not a fan of sliced almonds on top, you can also substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different crunch. You can also drizzle a little glaze over the top once it’s cooled for a sweet finishing touch.
Why Is It Called Butter Cake?
The term “butter cake” comes from the key ingredient that defines the flavor and texture of the cake—butter.
Unlike cakes that rely heavily on oil or other fats, butter cakes use a significant amount of butter, which gives them a rich, creamy flavor and a tender, moist crumb.
The butter is creamed with sugar to create a light, airy base, and its distinctive taste is what sets butter cakes apart from other types of cakes.
This simple yet delicious use of butter is why many cakes, like the Danish Butter Cake Recipe, are named after this ingredient.
What Does Danish Butter Cake Taste Like?
Danish Butter Cake Recipe has a rich, buttery flavor with a light, tender crumb. Its texture is soft and slightly dense, yet it melts in your mouth with each bite.
The sweetness is subtle but satisfying, allowing the natural flavor of the butter to shine through. The cake has a hint of vanilla, and when topped with almonds, it adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft interior.
Overall, it’s a simple yet indulgent dessert, perfect for those who appreciate a classic, comforting treat.
Serving And Storing Your Danish Butter Cake
How to Serve
This cake is perfect served warm or at room temperature. Slice it up and enjoy it as-is, or pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon treat.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with whipped cream or fresh berries for an added burst of flavor.
How to Store
You can store your Danish Butter Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to one week or freeze it for up to one month.
To freeze, wrap the Danish Butter Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Quick Kitchen Tips To Make
1. Soften Butter Quickly: If you forget to take your butter out in advance, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. It will soften much faster!
2. Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid dense baked goods, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop it directly from the bag, as this can pack it in and lead to too much flour.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use eggs and milk at room temperature when baking. This ensures a smoother batter and helps the ingredients combine more evenly.
4. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
5. Check for Doneness: Instead of relying solely on time, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!
Conclusion
Danish Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that combines a rich, buttery flavor with a light, tender crumb. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an easy yet impressive dessert for any occasion.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as a special breakfast, this Danish Butter Cake Recipe offers a comforting, indulgent experience.
The golden, slightly crispy topping and soft interior are sure to make it a family favorite. With just a few steps and ingredients, you can create a bakery-worthy cake right at home.
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Danish Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Measuring Cups,
- Spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk or heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 5/8 cup 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 5/8 cup 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 5/8 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon optional
- 1 1/4 cups sliced almonds optional, but recommended
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk (or heavy cream). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon (if using), until you have a crumbly mixture. Gently fold in the sliced almonds, if desired.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve once fully cooled.