German Butter Cake Recipe – A Delicious Treat

If you’ve never tasted a German Butter Cake Recipe, you’re in for a real treat! This German Butter Cake Recipe is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.

I first made this delicious German Butter Cake Recipe during a cozy Sunday afternoon baking session, and it quickly became a favorite in my household.

The combination of buttery flavor and soft crumb is heavenly, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

When I served it to my family, they couldn’t stop praising it, and everyone kept asking for another slice. The light sweetness, paired with a soft, moist texture, makes it a go-to comfort cake.

The first time I shared it, my friends were amazed by its moistness and flavor, complimenting the buttery richness and the light, airy crumb.

The German Butter Cake Recipe satisfying sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea, leaving everyone asking for seconds!

How To Prepare German Butter Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Yield: 12 servings

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 500 grams all-purpose flour
• 300 milliliters lukewarm milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest

For the Topping:

• ¾ cup cold butter
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

How To Make German Butter Cake Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the granulated sugar, salt, egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, a little at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula, and slowly add the lukewarm milk. Continue mixing until the dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough:

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this process.

5. Proof the Dough:

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Prepare the Topping:

While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter with brown sugar. Cut the butter into small pieces and mix it with the sugar until crumbly. Set aside.

7. Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles, then press it into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

8. Add the Topping:

Sprinkle the brown sugar-butter mixture evenly over the dough. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and flavor.

9. Bake the Cake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts German Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	270
Total Fat	15g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	31g
Sugars	15g
Protein	4g

Amazing Serving Ideas

For an amazing serving experience, try pairing German Butter Cake Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

You can also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine, enhancing the German Butter Cake Recipe rich flavors.

For a fun twist, top it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added freshness and visual appeal.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

My Tips For Making German Butter Cake

1. Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot. If it’s above 120°F (49°C), it can kill the yeast. A temperature of 110°F (43°C) is ideal.

2. If your yeast doesn’t bubble after 10 minutes, it might be expired, and you should start over with fresh yeast.

3. To ensure smooth mixing, always use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold butter can make the dough hard to knead, while cold eggs may not blend well with the rest of the ingredients.

4. Knead the dough thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) to ensure a smooth, elastic texture. Proper kneading will result in a fluffier cake.

5. Make sure the dough has a warm place to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in the oven with just the oven light on or use a proofing box. The dough should double in size.

6. Patience is key when allowing the dough to rise. Don’t try to rush it by using hot spots (like the microwave), as this could cause uneven rising. Let it rise slowly for the best texture.

How To Made More Delicious

To make your German Butter Cake Recipe even more delicious, you can incorporate some extra flavors and textures. Here are a few tips and variations to enhance the flavor and richness:

1. Add a Hint of Spice:

• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the dough or topping can create a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• Cardamom: A subtle touch of cardamom can take your cake to the next level, giving it a more exotic flavor.

2. Upgrade the Topping:

• Cream Cheese Topping: Mix a bit of cream cheese into the butter-sugar mixture for a creamy, tangy finish that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Toffee or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade caramel or toffee sauce over the cake just before serving for extra richness.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Create a streusel-like topping by adding a bit of cinnamon and extra brown sugar to the cold butter mixture. This will give your cake a crunchy, sweet texture.

3. Add Fresh Fruit:

• Berries or Apples: Before baking, scatter fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries) or thinly sliced apples over the dough. They add a juicy, sweet contrast to the cake’s richness.
• Sliced Pears or Peaches: These fruits work well too, especially when combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Storage & Make Ahead

To store your German Butter Cake Recipe, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices.

Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. The cake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month.

To make ahead, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature and complete the baking process the next day for a fresh, homemade treat.

Conclusion

The German Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that offers the perfect balance of richness and sweetness.

Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to impress. The soft, buttery texture and delicate flavor make it a timeless favorite in my kitchen.

So, why not try making it yourself and share a slice with your loved ones? I’m sure they’ll be asking for seconds! Enjoy baking and savor every bite of this scrumptious German Butter Cake Recipe!