Philly Butter Cake is a classic American dessert that combines the comforting textures of a soft cake base and a rich, buttery topping. Its perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence makes it a crowd favorite, whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
The Philly Butter Cake origins are rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania, where it became a beloved treat for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor.
I first encountered Philly Butter Cake at a small bakery in Philadelphia, where its warm, golden top caught my attention.
After the first bite, I was hooked! The blend of soft cake and creamy topping felt like a hug in dessert form. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, sharing the joy of this cake with friends and family.
It’s now a tradition in my home, and every time I bake it, I’m reminded of that first unforgettable bite. 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 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American (Philadelphia-style)
Servings: 12 slices
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (optional for flour)
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 packet (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butter Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. For the Cake Base:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the packet of active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Sift the flour into the wet mixture and stir until the dough begins to form. Add the yeast mixture and stir until fully combined.
5. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place, or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, and spread the risen dough evenly in the dish.
2. For the Butter Topping:
1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the flour, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Pour the butter topping mixture over the risen cake base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake:
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
2. Allow the Philly Butter Cake to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
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 store Philly Butter Cake, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week to maintain its freshness. To enjoy it later, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.
If you want to store it for an extended period, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
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
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (optional for flour)
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 packet 1/4 ounce active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butter Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake Base:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the packet of active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Sift the flour into the wet mixture and stir until the dough begins to form. Add the yeast mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, and spread the risen dough evenly in the dish.
For the Butter Topping:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the flour, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Pour the butter topping mixture over the risen cake base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Allow the Philly Butter Cake to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.