If you’ve never tasted a Philly butter cake, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This classic Philadelphia dessert is rich, buttery, and has a delicious gooey center that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re familiar with traditional butter cakes or trying one for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
This butter cake strikes a perfect balance between a tender cake base and a creamy, buttery top layer that melts in your mouth.
I love serving it fresh out of the oven, but it’s just as delicious the next day! In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of making a Philly butter cake that’s sure to impress.
What is Philly Butter Cake?
Philly Butter Cake is a moist, buttery dessert that features a tender crumb and a slight crisp on the outside.
It’s a staple in many Pennsylvania Dutch homes and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The cake’s rich flavor comes from a generous amount of butter, cream cheese, and eggs, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion.
How To Prepare Philly Butter Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American (Philadelphia-style)
Servings: 12 slices
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the cake base:
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix using an electric mixer until you get a crumbly consistency.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and continue to mix until smooth.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set it aside.
2. Make the butter topping:
In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until the topping becomes smooth and spreadable. It should have a creamy but slightly thick consistency.
3. Assemble and bake:
Carefully spread the butter topping over the cake base, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges of the cake turn golden brown, while the center remains gooey.
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly browned and set, but the middle should still have a bit of a jiggle.
4. Cool and serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
For the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cake.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding lemon zest or chocolate chips for a unique twist!
Nutrition Facts Philly Butter Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
1. With fresh berries:
I love serving Philly butter cake with a handful of fresh berries on the side. The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness of the butter cake, creating a balanced bite.
2. Whipped cream topping:
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy contrast to the dense texture of the cake. You can lightly sweeten the whipped cream with a teaspoon of sugar and vanilla extract for added flavor.
3. Paired with coffee or tea:
Since this cake is so rich, a hot cup of coffee or tea is the perfect pairing. The warmth of the drink complements the buttery richness of the cake.
Tips and Variations
1. Add a cream cheese layer:
For a tangy twist, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg. Spread this over the cake base before adding the butter topping for an extra layer of richness.
2. Make it gluten-free:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The result will still be moist and delicious.
3. Lemon zest addition:
For a zesty flavor, add a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the butter topping. The citrus notes will brighten up the cake’s flavor.
Health Benefits
1. Energy boost:
This cake is high in calories and provides a significant energy boost. The butter and sugar content make it a quick source of energy when you need it.
2. Vitamin A from butter:
The butter in this recipe is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system, and proper cell function.
3. Calcium from milk and cream:
The use of milk and cream contributes to the calcium content, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth.
Storage Tips
To keep your Philly Butter Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Philly Butter Cake is a delightful treat that combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Its buttery texture and moist crumb will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with ice cream and berries, this cake is sure to impress.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings or add-ins! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out.
You’ll find that the flavors are so rich and comforting, it might just become a family favorite!
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Philly Butter Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the cake base:
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix using an electric mixer until you get a crumbly consistency.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and continue to mix until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set it aside.
Make the butter topping:
- In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until the topping becomes smooth and spreadable. It should have a creamy but slightly thick consistency.
Assemble and bake:
- Carefully spread the butter topping over the cake base, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges of the cake turn golden brown, while the center remains gooey.
- You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly browned and set, but the middle should still have a bit of a jiggle.
Cool and serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.