Ocean Prime Butter Cake
Ocean Prime Butter Cake is a decadent dessert known for its warm, rich, and moist texture, often served with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries. With a caramelized crust and buttery interior, it offers a luxurious dining experience and is a signature favorite at the upscale Ocean Prime restaurants across the U.S.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 5¼ oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (room temperature)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Buttermilk Soak:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- 1 pint fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 12 sprigs fresh mint
- Vanilla ice cream optional, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven and prepare pan:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Make the cake batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate flour:
- Slowly add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Be careful not to over mix.
Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the buttermilk soak:
- While the cake is baking, combine butter, buttermilk, sugar, baking soda, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
Soak the cake:
- When the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes evenly over the surface using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the warm buttermilk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
Serve and garnish:
- Once cooled, transfer the cake to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh berries and mint sprigs. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip the buttermilk soak! Pouring the warm soak slowly over the baked cake allows it to absorb moisture and adds a delicious tangy richness, making the cake incredibly tender and flavorful.
Use fresh, ripe berries for garnish to complement the cake’s buttery richness with a burst of natural sweetness and acidity. Mint not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing aroma that enhances the dessert experience.