The Ultimate Chewy Butter Cake Recipe: A Guide to Gooey Perfection
Chewy butter cake. Just the name evokes images of a rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible dessert. It’s a cake that promises comfort and delivers on flavor, boasting a moist, dense crumb with a signature chewiness that sets it apart from ordinary cakes. This recipe is your passport to baking a truly extraordinary chewy butter cake, one that will have everyone begging for a second slice. We’ll break down each step, explain the crucial techniques, and offer tips for achieving that perfect, gooey, and utterly addictive texture.
What Makes This Chewy Butter Cake So Special?
Unlike light and airy sponge cakes, chewy butter cake revels in its density and richness. Several key elements contribute to its unique character:
* **High Butter Content:** Unsurprisingly, butter is a star ingredient. It provides moisture, flavor, and contributes significantly to the cake’s tender crumb.
* **Cream Cheese:** The addition of cream cheese adds a subtle tang and intensifies the cake’s moistness and chewy texture.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This ingredient is a game-changer. It contributes to the cake’s characteristic sweetness, denseness, and that incredibly addictive chewiness. Sweetened condensed milk helps create a smooth, almost fudgy texture.
* **Cake Flour:** Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a more tender and delicate crumb.
* **Specific Mixing Technique:** The order in which you combine the ingredients and the way you mix them play a crucial role in developing the desired texture. We’ll cover this in detail below.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Accuracy in measurements is important for baking success.
* **For the Cake:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup cake flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **For the Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended):**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chewy Butter Cake Perfection
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions carefully for the best results.
**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is crucial for even baking and preventing the cake from drying out.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to remove the cake after baking.
**Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese**
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This may take 3-5 minutes, depending on your mixer. The mixture should be smooth and airy.
**Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk**
* Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
**Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla**
* Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
**Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
**Step 6: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**
* Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
**Step 7: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
**Step 8: Bake the Cake**
* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.
**Step 9: Cool the Cake**
* Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang.
* Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting (optional).
**Step 10: Prepare the Topping (Optional)**
* While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
**Step 11: Frost the Cake (Optional)**
* Once the cake is completely cool, pour the topping over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
**Step 12: Cut and Serve**
* Cut the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Chewy Butter Cake Success
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened butter and cream cheese blend much more easily and evenly, creating a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Cake Flour:** Cake flour is crucial for achieving the tender crumb that is characteristic of chewy butter cake. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by substituting 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of flour.
* **Bake at a Lower Temperature:** Baking at 325°F (160°C) helps prevent the cake from drying out and ensures even baking.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely:** This is especially important if you’re frosting the cake, as the frosting will melt if the cake is still warm.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking the cake for doneness after 45 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** While the classic chewy butter cake is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors by adding extracts, zests, or spices to the batter. Lemon zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon can add a unique twist.
* **Add a Glaze:** Instead of a frosting, you can create a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover chewy butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake is best served within the first 2 days, as it can dry out slightly over time.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this chewy butter cake recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature cake.
* **Lemon Chewy Butter Cake:** Add the zest of 2 lemons to the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Chewy Butter Cake:** Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nutella Swirl Chewy Butter Cake:** Swirl dollops of Nutella into the batter before baking for a decadent treat.
* **Coconut Chewy Butter Cake:** Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
* **Pecan Chewy Butter Cake:** Sprinkle chopped pecans over the batter before baking for a nutty crunch.
* **Salted Caramel Chewy Butter Cake:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a sweet and salty indulgence.
* **Coffee Chewy Butter Cake:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee powder to the batter for a coffee-infused flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Cake is Dry:** This is usually caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and don’t overbake the cake.
* **Cake is Too Dense:** This can be caused by overmixing or not using enough leavening agent (baking powder). Be careful not to overmix the batter and make sure your baking powder is fresh.
* **Cake is Not Chewy Enough:** This could be due to not using enough sweetened condensed milk or overbaking the cake. Make sure to use the correct amount of sweetened condensed milk and bake the cake until it’s just set.
* **Cake is Sinking in the Middle:** This can be caused by using too much liquid or not baking the cake long enough. Make sure to measure your liquid ingredients accurately and bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Cake is Burning on Top:** This can be caused by baking the cake at too high of a temperature. Make sure to bake the cake at 325°F (160°C).
Serving Suggestions
Chewy butter cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a variety of accompaniments.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cake.
* **Fresh Berries:** Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, add a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the cake perfectly.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for an extra layer of indulgence.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** Drizzle chocolate sauce over the cake for a decadent chocolate treat.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Chewy butter cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
Chewy Butter Cake: A Cake for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, chewy butter cake is always a good choice. Its rich flavor, dense texture, and addictive chewiness make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a truly unforgettable chewy butter cake. With this recipe and these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dessert that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy!