This California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe is a rich baked dessert inspired by the restaurant classic. The cake tastes buttery, soft, gently sweet, and creamy from the cream cheese topping.
Creating California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe and discovering new things is my real job, and this version reflects careful balance and technique.
The specialty lies in the moist crumb, golden surface, and smooth topping that melt into the cake while baking. Additions like vanilla, milk, and cream cheese enhance depth and texture.
I will now show and explain this California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe.
About This California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe
California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe is known for its rich, dense texture and warm buttery sweetness balanced by a light cream cheese topping.
The taste is smooth, soft at the center, and gently crisp around the edges, making it comforting and indulgent without being heavy.
The recipe became popular through California Pizza Kitchen restaurants in the United States, where it was served as a signature dessert.
Inspired by European butter cakes, it was adapted to American tastes, gaining fame for its simple ingredients and bakery-style finish.
How To Prepare California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe?
To make this California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe perfectly, we’ll go step by step. Every stage is explained clearly to help you achieve a soft, buttery cake with a creamy, lightly sweet topping.
I’ve also suggested useful kitchen tools, but even with basic equipment, you can create this rich, flavorful dessert.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls (2 medium, 1 small)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring scale and measuring spoons
- 23 cm round cake pan
- Baking paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Butter Cake Batter
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g granulated (caster) sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature (about 200 g without shells)
- 10 g (2 tsp) vanilla extract
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g (1 tsp) baking powder
- 1 g (¼ tsp) salt
- 180 ml whole milk, room temperature (about 180 g)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 25 g beaten egg (½ large egg)
- 85 g cream cheese, softened
- 38 g granulated sugar (3 tbsp)
- 1 g (¼ tsp) vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Start by heating your oven to 170°C. Take a 23 cm round cake pan, line the base with baking paper, and lightly grease the sides so the cake doesn’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This should take a few minutes and will help give the cake a light texture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one so they blend in properly. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two stages, alternating with the milk. Mix gently and only until everything comes together smoothly. Avoid over mixing, as this can make the cake dense.
5. To prepare the cream cheese topping, place the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and half an egg in a small bowl. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
6. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter.
7. Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, until it is set and lightly golden on top. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Note: For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Do not over bake; the center should be slightly soft for that signature butter cake texture. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts Of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Salt | 0.3 g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe for its rich buttery flavor, soft center, and creamy topping that bakes beautifully into the cake. The texture is indulgent without being heavy, making it enjoyable warm or chilled.
The ingredients are familiar and easy to find, yet the result feels restaurant-worthy. This recipe delivers consistent results, slices cleanly, and pairs well with coffee or dessert sauces.
It brings the signature California Pizza Kitchen experience into your own kitchen with comforting flavor and homemade freshness.
How It Works
This California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe works by using the creaming method, where butter and sugar are beaten together to incorporate air, creating a light, tender cake.
Eggs are added gradually to build structure, while flour and baking powder provide stability and rise. Milk softens the batter, making it moist and smooth.
The cream cheese topping is blended separately and spread over the cake, baking into a slightly firm, tangy layer that contrasts with the buttery base.
Heat from the oven cooks both layers evenly, producing a golden, soft, and flavorful cake with a delicate texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce add extra flavor and visual appeal.
Cut into generous slices for afternoon tea, dessert plates, or celebrations. Pairing with a cup of coffee or lightly brewed tea enhances the buttery, creamy taste.
The California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe can also be chilled and served cold for a firmer texture, making it versatile for different preferences. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Professional Baking Tips
➢ Use butter at room temperature so it blends smoothly with sugar, creating a light, airy batter. Cold butter can make the cake dense.
➢ Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour makes the cake dry.
➢ Beat eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to help the cake rise evenly and develop a smooth texture.
➢ Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the batter, mixing gently to avoid overworking the flour.
➢ Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure the cake cooks evenly and develops a golden top.
➢ Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a rack. This prevents it from breaking and keeps the texture soft.
Additions For Extra Delicious Ideas
➤ Citrus Zest – Grated lemon or orange zest added to the batter gives the cake a gentle, tangy brightness that balances the rich butter and cream cheese topping, adding a lively flavor with every bite.
➤ Vanilla Bean – Scraping the tiny seeds from a vanilla bean pod into the batter enhances the cake with a warm, fragrant sweetness that is more complex and aromatic than standard extract.
➤ Fresh Berries – Incorporating fresh blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries creates juicy pockets of flavor throughout the cake, adding natural sweetness and a subtle tart contrast to the buttery base.
➤ Toasted Nuts – Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts lightly toasted and sprinkled on the cream cheese layer bring a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that complements the soft, rich cake.
➤ Caramel Drizzle – Drizzling smooth caramel sauce over the top after baking adds a luxurious sweetness and glossy finish, making the cake even more indulgent and visually appealing.
Cake Storage
Store the California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it soft and moist. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days; bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
The cream cheese topping stays fresh in the fridge but may firm slightly, which adds a pleasant, sliceable consistency. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this butter cake different from a regular cake?
This version uses real butter and a cream cheese layer that gives it moist texture and rich flavor not found in simple butter cakes.
What is the role of the cream cheese in this recipe?
Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and creamy layer that balances the sweetness and enriches the overall profile.
How do I know when the cake is baked through?
The top should be lightly golden and slightly firm. Some bakers use a food thermometer instead of the toothpick method for more accurate results.
What variations exist at California Pizza Kitchen?
In some menus there are miniature butter cakes with different toppings like chocolate or fruit as seasonal options.
Conclusion
This California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe is a dessert that everyone enjoys and always receives compliments. Every time I make it for serving, the buttery cake with the soft cream cheese topping delights family and friends alike.
The rich flavor and tender texture make it a favorite for gatherings, special occasions, or simple indulgence at home. I enjoy preparing it and watching others savor each bite.
I hope you try making this California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe and experience the same joy and satisfaction that comes from baking and sharing this classic California Pizza Kitchen butter cake recipe.
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California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2 medium, 1 small)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring scale and measuring spoons
- 23 cm round cake pan
- Baking paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Butter Cake Batter
- 225 g unsalted butter softened
- 200 g granulated caster sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature (about 200 g without shells)
- 10 g 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 g ¼ tsp salt
- 180 ml whole milk room temperature (about 180 g)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 25 g beaten egg ½ large egg
- 85 g cream cheese softened
- 38 g granulated sugar 3 tbsp
- 1 g ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by heating your oven to 170°C. Take a 23 cm round cake pan, line the base with baking paper, and lightly grease the sides so the cake doesn’t stick.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This should take a few minutes and will help give the cake a light texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one so they blend in properly. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two stages, alternating with the milk. Mix gently and only until everything comes together smoothly. Avoid over mixing, as this can make the cake dense.
- To prepare the cream cheese topping, place the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and half an egg in a small bowl. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top, then use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter.
- Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, until it is set and lightly golden on top. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe
Calories: 420 kcal | Fat: 26 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Sugar: 28 g | Protein: 6 g | Salt: 0.3 gHi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.