Nothing quite compares to the decadent richness of Mastro’s legendary butter cake. This iconic dessert has earned a devoted following at the upscale steakhouse chain, where diners eagerly save room for its warm, buttery goodness topped with vanilla bean ice cream. The good news? You can recreate this restaurant favorite in your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients and techniques.
This homemade version captures all the indulgent flavors that make Mastro’s butter cake so irresistible. From its tender, moist crumb to its golden-brown exterior, every bite delivers the same luxurious experience you’d expect from the original.
What Makes Mastro’s Butter Cake Special
The magic of Mastro’s butter cake lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike traditional cakes, this dessert falls somewhere between a pound cake and a warm bread pudding. The generous amount of butter creates an incredibly rich, dense texture while keeping the cake surprisingly light and airy.
The cake’s signature characteristic comes from its unique preparation method. Rather than following conventional cake-making techniques, this recipe creates a batter that’s almost custard-like in consistency. When baked, it develops a slightly caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender, almost molten center.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For serving:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare your equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously butter six 4-ounce ramekins or one 8-inch round cake pan. This step is crucial since the high butter content can cause sticking.
Create the batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry and wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with heavy cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Bake to perfection
Divide the batter evenly among prepared ramekins or pour it into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes for individual portions, or 35-40 minutes for a full cake. The tops should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Pro Tips for Success
Temperature matters when making this butter cake. Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted—it should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape. Room temperature eggs will incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the generous buttering of your baking vessels. The high fat content means this cake can stick easily, and you want a clean release for the best presentation.
For the most authentic experience, serve the cake warm. If you’ve made it ahead, a quick 10-second microwave warming will restore that just-baked texture.
Serving Suggestions
The traditional Mastro’s presentation includes a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cake. The contrast between hot and cold, rich cake and creamy ice cream creates the perfect bite.
Consider adding fresh berries for a pop of color and acidity that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch.
Make It Your Own
While the classic version is perfection, small variations can personalize this dessert. A splash of bourbon or rum in the batter adds depth, while lemon zest brightens the overall flavor profile.
For chocolate lovers, substitute ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version. Orange zest and a drizzle of orange glaze create an equally delicious citrus twist.
Bringing Restaurant Quality Home
Creating Mastro’s butter cake at home proves that some restaurant favorites are achievable in your kitchen. This recipe delivers the same indulgent experience that keeps diners coming back, with the added satisfaction of homemade excellence. Whether you’re ending a special dinner or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this butter cake transforms any occasion into a memorable one.
