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.
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
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
Calories: 420 kcal | Fat: 26 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Sugar: 28 g | Protein: 6 g | Salt: 0.3 g