If you’ve been to Maggiano’s, chances are you’ve indulged in their famous Gigi’s Butter Cake—a decadent dessert that’s become the talk of the culinary community. Imagine a rich, buttery cake that’s delicately crisp on the edges and luxuriously soft inside. The good news for you is that you can now recreate this restaurant-quality delight in your kitchen.
In today’s blog we will be sharing the highly coveted recipe for Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake. From a list of simple ingredients to tips for making it perfectly golden, get ready to whip up something truly special.
What Makes Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake So Special?
Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake has gained a loyal fanbase for several reasons. First and foremost, its irresistible taste is a true delight for the senses. The combination of the rich, buttery flavor, the delicate crispness on the edges, and the luxuriously soft texture inside creates a culinary experience that is simply unforgettable.
This cake exudes a comforting familiarity while also offering a touch of indulgence which makes it the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, you can confidently recreate this restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor the magic of Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake – a truly special and beloved culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients for Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate Gigi’s Butter Cake at home:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These pantry-friendly ingredients make the recipe accessible for home bakers of any skill level.
Nutritional Information of Gigi’s Butter Cake
Before indulging, here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per slice (for a cake divided into 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 260mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 4g |
The values above are estimates and might change depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.
Essential Equipment Needed
Gathering the right tools before you start ensures a seamless baking experience. Here’s a list of essential equipment:
- Mixing bowls (at least two for wet and dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish or springform pan (for easy removal)
- Silicone spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Non-stick baking spray or parchment pape
Step-by-Step Recipe for Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start baking. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Gigi’s Butter Cake:
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
First, get all your ingredients ready and preheat the oven. In a bowl, mix the wet ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs using a mixer until they’re smooth and creamy. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix while stirring on low speed. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
Step 2: Greasing the Baking Dish
Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with non-stick baking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This will keep the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easy to remove after baking. Make sure to evenly coat the dish to avoid any parts of the cake getting stuck.
Step 3: Pouring the Batter and Baking
Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake according to the recommended time and temperature, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Baking time might change depending on your oven, so check the cake as it gets close to the end of the baking time.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then gently take the cake out and place it directly on the rack to cool completely. This helps the cake keep its shape. Once it’s cool, you can serve Gigi’s Butter Cake in different ways to make it even tastier.
Congratulations 🎊 you’ve successfully recreated Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake – a truly special culinary masterpiece. We hope it brings you as much joy and delight as it has to all its loyal fans.
And if you are also a cake lover like me, then you should try my other popular cake recipes, like Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake and Manny Randazzo’s King Cake to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two for wet and dry ingredients)
- Electric Mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish or springform pan (for easy removal)
- Silicone spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Non-stick baking spray or parchment pape
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter – softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- First, get all your ingredients ready and preheat the oven. In a bowl, mix the wet ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs using a mixer until they’re smooth and creamy. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix while stirring on low speed. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
Step 2: Greasing the Baking Dish
- Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with non-stick baking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This will keep the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easy to remove after baking. Make sure to evenly coat the dish to avoid any parts of the cake getting stuck.
Step 3: Pouring the Batter and Baking
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake according to the recommended time and temperature, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Baking time might change depending on your oven, so check the cake as it gets close to the end of the baking time.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
- Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then gently take the cake out and place it directly on the rack to cool completely. This helps the cake keep its shape. Once it’s cool, you can serve Gigi’s Butter Cake in different ways to make it even tastier.
Notes
Delicious Ways to Serve Gigi’s Butter Cake
While Gigi’s Butter Cake is delicious on its own, you can boost the taste by serving it with different accompaniments. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Fresh Fruits: Pair slices of Gigi’s Butter Cake with a selection of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of vibrant flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream to add a light and airy texture.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of Gigi’s Butter Cake with a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful contrast of temperatures and tastes.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a rich and velvety chocolate ganache over the cake slices for an indulgent and decadent treat.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of Gigi’s Butter Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of tea for a blissful combination.
How to Store Gigi’s Butter Cake for Freshness
Keep your butter cake fresh and delicious with these tips:
- Room Temperature (up to 2 days): You can store Gigi’s Butter Cake at room temperature in a sealed container. This keeps the cake fresh and moist, ready for a quick treat.
- Refrigerate (up to a week): To keep the cake fresh longer, you can store it in the fridge. Make sure to cover it tightly or use a sealed container so it doesn’t dry out or pick up any smells.
- Freeze (up to 3 months): To keep Gigi’s Butter Cake fresh for longer, freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap to protect it, then put them in a freezer bag or container. This way, you can enjoy the cake anytime without losing its flavor or texture.
- Thawing (before serving): When you want to eat the frozen cake, let it thaw slowly. Leave the wrapped slices at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the cake moist and soft.
- Reheating (to make it fresh again): If you want your cake to taste like it’s freshly baked, you can warm up the thawed slices. Just heat your oven to 300°F (150°C), put the slices on a baking tray, and warm them for a few minutes. This will make the cake taste fresh and delicious.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Gigi’s Butter Cake
To achieve baking perfection with Gigi’s Butter Cake, follow these expert tips:
- Exact Measurements: Measuring ingredients correctly is important for good results. Use cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a kitchen scale for exact weights.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and other refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing. This ensures proper emulsification and smooth incorporation.
- Creaming Method: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air into the batter, resulting in a tender and moist cake.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) together helps eliminate lumps and creates a smoother batter.
- Gradual Mixing: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in stages, alternating with the addition of liquid (like milk or buttermilk). This gradual mixing method prevents overmixing and produces a tender crumb.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Grease and flour the cake pan or use parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This ensures easy removal and intact presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of baking a perfect cake requires a lot of attention to detail and following proper techniques. From accurately measuring ingredients to ensuring even mixing, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a delightful, moist, and flavorful cake.
Remember to prepare your pan properly and adjust baking times for different sizes. You can even make gluten-free variations if needed. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to unleash your baking prowess and create a cake that will impress and delight.
FAQ
Q1. Can I use a different pan size?
Yes! You can change the recipe to fit different pan sizes. Just remember that the baking time might change. Bigger pans make the batter thinner, so it will bake faster. Smaller pans make the batter thicker and need more time.
Q2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Sure, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. There are many great gluten-free flours available that work the same as regular flour. Just make sure the one you choose is labeled gluten-free and suitable for baking.
Q3. How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?
To stop your cake from sinking in the middle, follow these simple tips. First, use the right amount of baking powder or baking soda to help the cake rise. Too much or too little can cause it to sink. Don’t open the oven door too early, as this can make the temperature drop and ruin the cake. Also, don’t mix the batter too much because it adds too much air, which can make the cake fall.
Q4. Can I add additional flavors or toppings to the cake?
Sure, this recipe is a great starting point that you can change to match your taste. Try adding flavors like vanilla, almond, or citrus for a twist. You can also add toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or powdered sugar to make the cake look and taste even better.
