CPK Butter Cake Recipe Making With Easy Step (Copycat)

CPK Butter Cake Recipe

The full form of CPK is California Pizza Kitchen’s. CPK butter cake recipe is a must-try dessert, renowned for its warmth and rich flavor. Recreating this delectable treat at home is a rewarding experience.

CPK butter cake is a warmly sweet and moist delight, some argue it surpasses the original in flavor.

This rich, moist, and utterly satisfying dessert is a symphony of flavors, reminiscent of a sugar cookie and a pound cake’s love child.

Now, you can make it at home. This recipe isn’t an exact copy, but this recipe comes remarkably close to CPK’s masterpiece. Many consider it the best cpk butter cake recipe.

cpk butter cake recipe easy

“CPK Butter Cake is special dessert because it has two delicious layers. One is a dense and tender butter cake base, that’s very delicious and second is decadent cream cheese layer.”

Condensed milk elevates the flavor, a unique touch that sets this recipe apart. CPK serves these cakes individually, so you use the little pans. You can find the affordable sets of cooking pan on Amazon.

Change the cooking time when using smaller pans. If you’re using 5-inch or 8-inch pans, manage the cooking time for the best results. This helps make sure your butter cake turns out just right, matching CPK’s well-balanced portions.

CPK Butter Cake Recipe Ingredients

Cake Batter:

2 to 2 1/2 sticks of softened unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
3 eggs (or 2 large eggs)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon almond extract + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1/4 cup condensed milk (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream Cheese Layer (Optional Topping):

4 ounces cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

2 medium mixing bowls
1 small bowl for scrambling and dividing the egg for the topping
Hand mixer
9×13 Inch baking pan
Measuring spoons and cups
Whisk
Spatula

Ensure you have these basic kitchen tools on hand before you making the CPK Butter Cake recipe for a smooth baking experience.

How to Make CPK Butter Cake Recipe

CPK Butter Cake Recipe instructions

Preparing for Baking:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (200°C).
Butter the bottom of the cake pan(s) and coat with sugar for a caramelized layer.
Place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan.

Making the Butter Cake Batter:

CPK Butter Cake making

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, and flour until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
Mix in buttermilk and condensed milk (if using).
Gently fold in baking powder.

Baking the Butter Cake:

CPK Butter Cake baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), filling no more than 3/4 full.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 6 minutes.

Making the Cream Cheese Layer (Optional):

In a small bowl, whip together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Adding the Cream Cheese Layer:

adding cream cheese layers

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially cooled butter cake batter, spreading it evenly.
Continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes until the toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the butter cake warm, optionally with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Berry compote or peaches
Guava marmalade
Caramelized sugar with a kitchen torch (if using the cheesecake-like topping)

Enjoy your delicious CPK Butter Cake Recipe!

How to Store Your Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the cake fresh for three days by placing it in an airtight container on the counter.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the entire cake first. Then, wrap individual pieces in plastic, add foil, and store them in a zip-lock bag. Enjoy frozen cake for up to 2 months or more.

CPK Butter Cake Recipe Detail

Author: Katarina Frank
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 1hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 min
Calories: 572kcal
Servings: 10

Why Homemade?

While CPK restaurants offer this delightful treat, there’s something special about crafting it at home. You control the ingredients, portions, and savor the joy of creating a beloved dessert from scratch. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is an added bonus.

Check out these Extra Dishes We Have on the Menu

Some Tips for Best CPK Butter Cake

Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for a smooth batter.
Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s dense and tender texture.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
Insert a toothpick, it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Enjoy the butter cake fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.

I hope you enjoy this CPK butter cake recipe. It’s buttery, easy to make, with simple ingredients, and bakes quickly. Topped with a moist, fluffy crumb, it has a crisp golden-brown crust and gooey center. While I usually go for healthier recipes, treating my family to sweet desserts, like this one, is a joy. For more delightful recipes, check out “A Crispy Cookies” on my website.

Spread the Joy!

If you love this CPK butter cake recipe, give it 5 stars and share it with your loved ones. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Feel free to share your family recipe stories in the comments.