Maggiano’s Signature Butter Cake Recipe — Classic Italian Dessert

One of the best butter cakes I’ve tasted is the one served at Maggiano’s: an incredibly soft, fluffy cake with a light, buttery crumb, topped with sweet cream and fresh strawberries. It’s a classic dessert that always feels like a perfect finish to a meal.

I created a copycat version of Maggiano’s Butter Cake at home. The result was delightful — the flavor and texture were spot on, and my husband and young child loved it. That made me very happy and satisfied.

My recipe yields six small round cakes, but you can scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs.

For the topping, you can be flexible. My husband and I prefer whipped cream, while my child enjoys a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both are excellent choices. Feel free to add other toppings you like, but don’t skip the strawberries — they add a juicy, fruity contrast that complements the rich butter cake perfectly.

What is Maggiano’s Butter Cake?

Maggiano’s Butter Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert served at Maggiano’s restaurants. It’s a tender butter cake made from common pantry ingredients: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and whole milk. It’s traditionally finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and a spoonful of whipped cream for a classic presentation.

Ingredients

To make this butter cake, you will need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Optional Toppings

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Small round cake pans (about 4 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

How to Make Maggiano’s Butter Cake?

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the small round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing.

Step 5:

Divide the batter among the prepared pans, filling each about halfway so there’s room for the cakes to rise.

Step 6:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7:

Serve each small round cake dusted with powdered sugar, topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your Maggiano’s-style Butter Cake.

Some Tips!

• Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for a smoother, more even batter.
• Sift dry ingredients to aerate the flour and prevent lumps.
• Fill pans only halfway to avoid overflow as the cakes rise.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store cooled butter cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to one month. To freeze, wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

What to Eat with this Maggiano’s Butter Cake?

This butter cake pairs well with a wide range of meals and desserts. Enjoy it after a pasta dish or alongside other sweets like a fruit tart or a warm chocolate treat. A simple cup of coffee or tea also pairs beautifully with the cake’s buttery flavor.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid an overly salty finish.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is labeled gluten-free.

What can I use instead of whole milk?

You can substitute with any milk you have on hand, including lower-fat dairy or fortified plant-based milks, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Doubling the recipe is straightforward — you can bake in larger pans. Increase baking time and begin checking for doneness around 45–50 minutes, depending on pan size.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Maggiano’s-inspired butter cake at home. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser. If you try it, share it with friends and family and savor every bite.