Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe – Home Bakers

Philadelphia butter cake recipe is a rich, golden dessert that I truly enjoy baking. I have experience creating many cake recipes, but this Philadelphia butter cake recipe stands out for its unique texture and deep flavor.

I was inspired to make this after watching how the original version was baked in Philadelphia, where it became a hometown favorite.

The main specialty of this Philadelphia butter cake recipe is the soft yeast layer under a gooey, buttery topping that melts together beautifully.

I will now show step-by-step how to prepare this classic Philadelphia butter cake recipe in my baking kitchen.

About This Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

Philadelphia butter cake recipe has a rich, buttery flavor with a soft, tender yeast base and a sweet, creamy topping that melts in the mouth.

The cake combines a golden, slightly bread-like bottom with a luscious, gooey cream cheese and butter layer on top.

Key ingredients include active dry yeast, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla for the base, while the topping features cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

The balance of sweet, creamy, and buttery textures makes this Philadelphia butter cake recipe indulgent and memorable.

How To Prepare Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

To make this Philadelphia butter cake recipe perfectly, we’ll go step by step! I’ve detailed each part of the process and shared helpful tips to guide you.

 I’ve also included a list of kitchen tools that make baking easier, though not all are required. Using what you have, you can still achieve a soft, gooey, buttery cake that’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Rising Time: 60 minutes

Baking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Course: Dessert / Cake

Cuisine: American (Philadelphia Style)

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Small saucepan (to warm milk)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Base:

• ¼ ounce (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed to 105–115°F (40–45°C)
• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup or 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 oz heavy cream
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (14 oz) white sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it reaches about 105–115°F (40–45°C). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and active.

2. Prepare the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the warm milk and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead and Let Rise

Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about 3–5 minutes. Place it into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 45–60 minutes).

5. Prepare the Baking Pan

Once the dough has risen, gently press it evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure the dough reaches all edges.

6. Make the Creamy Topping

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, eggs, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and fully combined.

7. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the yeast base. Spread it carefully with a spatula so it covers the entire surface.

8. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.

9. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack before slicing. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. The center will have a rich, buttery, gooey texture true to the classic Philadelphia butter cake.

Notes:

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, especially butter, eggs, and cream cheese. Do not over bake its signature texture should stay gooey in the center.

If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil midway. The flavor deepens after resting overnight, making it even richer and more delicious the next day.

Nutrition Facts Of Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	420
Total Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Cholesterol	110 mg
Sodium	190 mg
Carbohydrates	49 g
Sugars	32 g
Protein	6 g

Why My Recipe Works

This Philadelphia butter cake recipe works because of the careful balance between the yeast-based base and the creamy topping. The yeast gives the cake a soft, airy texture while the butter and sugar create a rich, tender crumb.

The cream cheese layer melts slightly during baking, adding moisture and a sweet, silky finish that complements the base perfectly. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures smooth mixing and even baking.

Following the steps for proper rising, gentle folding, and correct oven temperature guarantees the Philadelphia butter cake recipe holds its structure while remaining soft and gooey in the center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Philadelphia butter cake recipe delivers a rich, buttery base topped with a creamy, sweet layer that melts in your mouth.

The soft, airy texture of the yeast cake combined with the smooth cream cheese topping creates a delightful contrast in every slice.

Baking this Philadelphia butter cake recipe allows you to enjoy the classic Philadelphia style at home, with a homemade touch that elevates the flavor.

The cake stays moist and flavorful, making it enjoyable fresh or slightly warmed. The process is rewarding, producing a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious dessert.

Recipe Tips And Techniques

1. Warm the milk slightly and mix in the yeast, letting it bubble until frothy. This ensures the base rises evenly and stays soft.

2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This technique adds air to the batter for a tender, airy cake.

3. Add eggs slowly while mixing to maintain structure and richness in the batter.

4. Smooth the topping across the base so it bakes evenly and develops a silky texture.

5. Check the cake towards the end of baking; edges should be golden while the center remains slightly soft.

6. Allow the cake to rest completely so the topping sets, making slicing clean and maintaining the gooey texture.

Amazing Serving Ideas

Cut the Philadelphia butter cake recipe into generous squares and place on a dessert plate for a rustic, homemade presentation. Add a few slices of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or peaches, to balance the richness of the cake.

Drizzle lightly with honey or a caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Serve alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to complement the buttery flavor.

For a festive touch, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or toasted coconut over the top. This cake also works beautifully on a dessert platter with other treats for gatherings or celebrations.

Health Benefits Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

Philadelphia butter cake recipe offers a few nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The eggs provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids that support muscle repair and overall health.

Butter and cream cheese supply fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are important for vision, bone health, and immunity. Whole milk adds calcium for strong bones and teeth.

Using moderate portions allows the Philadelphia butter cake recipe to be a source of energy, and pairing it with fresh fruit can increase fiber and antioxidants, creating a slightly more balanced dessert option.

How To Make With More Delicious

➤ Swirl Caramel or Dulce de Leche – Gently swirl caramel or dulce de leche into the cream cheese topping before baking. This creates pockets of rich, gooey sweetness that complement the buttery base.

➤ Toast Nuts for Crunch – Add chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the cake. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey texture and adds a nutty aroma.

➤ Layer Fresh Fruits – Add thin slices of strawberries, peaches, or blueberries between the base and topping for a refreshing, natural sweetness.

➤ Infuse Vanilla or Almond Extract – Enhance the aroma by adding a few extra drops of high-quality vanilla or almond extract into the topping, giving the cake a richer, more fragrant flavor.

➤ Dust with Cinnamon Sugar or Cocoa Powder – After baking, lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder over the top. This adds visual appeal and an extra layer of subtle, warm flavor that elevates every bite.

How To Store Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

Allow the Philadelphia butter cake recipe to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess. For short-term storage, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature; it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To preserve moisture, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if storing slices.

Before serving refrigerated Philadelphia butter cake recipe, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to restore its soft, creamy texture.

FAQs For Philadelphia Butter Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This Philadelphia butter cake recipe is a delicious and amazing dessert that everyone will love. Its soft, buttery base with the creamy, sweet topping creates a treat that brings joy with every bite.

I make this Philadelphia butter cake recipe often for serving time, and each time I enjoy it as much as my guests do. Sharing my easy, step-by-step method allows anyone to recreate this classic cake at home.

I hope this inspires you to try making it yourself and experience the rich flavors and comforting texture that make this Philadelphia butter cake recipe so special.

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