Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe

Butter cake is a simple yet rich dessert that never gets old. It has a dense, moist crumb and a deep buttery flavor that makes every bite enjoyable.

My love for it started at Outback Steakhouse, where their warm butter cake came out topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Outback Steakhouse butter cake is popular for good reason. It is warm, golden, and buttery on the inside with a slightly crisp edge.

People love it because it feels like a bakery-style treat without being too heavy or overly sweet. Most people think a dessert this good must be really hard to make at home, but that is not true at all.

This Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe uses only basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No special skills are needed.

You can easily recreate it at home, and it will taste just as good as the one at the restaurant.

Why This Copycat Recipe Tastes Like the Restaurant Version

Many copycat desserts try to copy famous dishes, yet this Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake recipe stays very close to the real flavor and texture.

• Perfect Butter and Sugar Balance: This recipe uses equal amounts of butter and sugar. This creates that famous creamy texture. It’s not too dry, and it’s not too sweet either.
• Proper Mixing Method: We cream butter and sugar first, then alternate adding flour and milk. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents lumps.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Vanilla extract is added to the egg mixture, not the flour. This spreads the vanilla taste through the whole cake evenly.
• Golden Top Texture: Proper baking time forms a light golden crust. The outside stays slightly firm while the inside remains soft.

Difference Between Butter Cake and Gooey Butter Cake

1. Texture and Structure : Butter cake bakes up with a firm yet moist crumb that holds its shape when sliced. Gooey butter cake, on the other hand, has a sticky, almost pudding-like center that does not fully set in the oven.
2. Main Ingredients : Butter cake relies on creamed butter, sugar, eggs, and flour for structure. Gooey butter cake typically uses cream cheese or a cream cheese filling layered over a base to create its signature sticky texture.
3. Origin and Style : Butter cake is a classic baked good found in many bakeries and home kitchens worldwide. Gooey butter cake is a St. Louis specialty with roots in the American Midwest and has a more indulgent, bar-style presentation.
4. Serving Style : Butter cake is often served warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Gooey butter cake is usually cut into squares and served at room temperature, more like a dessert bar than a traditional cake slice.

Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour – 250g (about 2 cups) : Flour is the base of this cake. It gives the cake its shape and structure. You can measure it by scooping into a cup and leveling off the top. All-purpose flour works best. Do not use cake flour because it makes the cake too tender.
• Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons : This helps the cake rise and become fluffy. It creates small air bubbles inside the batter while baking. Do not confuse it with baking soda. If you skip it, the cake will still bake, but it will be heavier and less airy.
• Milk Powder – 2 tablespoons : Milk powder adds a richer taste and deeper flavor to the cake. If you do not have milk powder, add 3 extra tablespoons of milk and reduce the original milk in the recipe to 1 tablespoon.
• Sugar – 250g (about 1 1/4 cups) : Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a golden color while baking. Regular granulated white sugar is the best choice. Avoid brown sugar because it will change both the color and the flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

• Milk – 1/4 cup (about 4 tablespoons) : Milk helps make the batter smooth and easy to mix. Whole milk works best because it adds a little extra richness. If needed, you can also use 2% milk.
• Egg Whites – About 6 eggs’ worth : Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until stiff peaks form. Fresh egg whites work best. Avoid using bottled egg whites for this recipe.
• Butter or Margarine – 250g (about 1 cup or 2 sticks) : Butter gives the cake its rich and creamy flavor. Real butter is best for the most authentic taste. Margarine can work, but the flavor will not be as rich. Make sure the butter is soft before mixing.
• Egg Yolks – About 6 eggs’ worth : The egg yolks come from the same eggs used for the whites. They add richness, color, and moisture to the cake. Yolks also help bind all the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons : Vanilla adds a warm and classic cake flavor. Pure vanilla extract gives the best taste. Imitation vanilla can be used, but the flavor will not be as strong.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowls – for ingredients
2. Electric mixer – creaming butter
3. Whisk – blend dry ingredients
4. Rubber spatula – fold egg whites
5. Measuring cups and spoons – accurate amounts
6. 9-inch baking pan – bake the cake
7. Parchment paper – easy removal
8. Oven – bake evenly
9. Cooling rack – cool the cake

How to Make Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake at Home

Step 1 | Prepare Your Pan

Turn on your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

You can also grease the pan with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2 | Cream the Butter and Sugar

Cut the butter into pieces and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for about 3 to 8 minutes.

The mixture should look light and pale yellow. It should feel fluffy, almost like whipped cream.

Step 3 | Separate the Eggs

Take the 6 eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Put the egg whites in one clean bowl and the yolks in another bowl.

Add the yolks to the butter mixture. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites or they will not whip well.

Step 4 | Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and milk powder.

Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together. This helps spread the baking powder evenly so the cake rises properly.

Step 5 | Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix the egg yolks into the butter and sugar mixture using the mixer. Beat until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla extract and mix again for about 30 seconds.

Step 6 | Alternate Flour and Milk

Add one-third of the flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low speed. Pour in half of the milk and mix again. Add another third of the flour, then the rest of the milk.

Finish with the last third of the flour. Mix until the batter looks smooth. Do not overmix because it can make the cake dense.

Step 7 | Beat the Egg Whites

Place the egg whites in a clean bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until stiff peaks form.

The whites should stand up when the beaters are lifted. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 8 | Fold in the Egg Whites

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Do this slowly and carefully.

Folding keeps the air in the batter and helps the cake stay light. Continue folding until no white streaks remain.

Step 9 | Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10 | Cool the Cake and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack.

Let it cool completely for about 1 hour. Slice the cake and enjoy homemade Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe.

Expert Tips for the Best Copycat Outback Butter Cake

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar. Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before baking. Soft butter mixes better and helps create a light, fluffy cake.
• Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and milk powder removes small lumps and spreads the baking powder evenly. This helps the batter mix smoothly and gives the cake a better texture.
• Keep the Bowl Clean for Egg Whites: Egg whites whip best in a clean bowl. Even a small amount of grease or egg yolk can stop them from forming stiff peaks. Wipe the bowl and beaters with a little lemon juice or vinegar before beating the whites.
• Do Not Open the Oven Too Early: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 25 minutes of baking. A rush of cold air can cause the cake to collapse before it fully sets.

What to Serve With Butter Cake

Butter cake is delicious all by itself, but adding a little extra on the side makes it even better. You can pick from sweet toppings, cold options, or fruity sides. Each choice makes the cake taste a bit different. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

• Whipped Cream: Whipped cream is light and fluffy. It melts into the warm cake and creates a perfect balance. Plain whipped cream works, or add vanilla extract and a little sugar.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the best choice. The cold cream melts with the warm, buttery cake. Chocolate or strawberry ice cream also works if you want something different.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh taste. They also make the plate look pretty. The slight tart flavor balances the sweet cake.
• Chocolate Sauce: Warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the cake makes it feel like a special dessert. It adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with the buttery cake.
• Caramel Drizzle: Caramel sauce adds a sticky-sweet touch. It pairs very well with butter cake because both flavors are rich and sweet.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Instructions

Make-Ahead Instructions: Bake the cake up to 2 days ahead and store it at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

The flavor actually deepens overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Reheat just before serving.

Storage Tips: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: Cut the cake into individual slices and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Frozen butter cake will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. For a crispier edge, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe FAQs

1. Can I bake this cake in a regular cake pan?

Yes, a regular square or round cake pan works well for this recipe. An 8-inch or 9-inch pan provides enough space for the batter to rise properly. Greasing the pan and lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking.

Baking time may change slightly depending on the pan depth. Always check the center with a toothpick to confirm the cake is fully baked.

2. Can I make this recipe without a mixer?

Yes, though it requires more effort. Butter and sugar can be creamed using a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon. Mixing by hand takes longer but still works well.

The most important step is whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form. A hand whisk can achieve this with steady beating. The final texture may be slightly different, yet the cake will still bake well.

3. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13 pan. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick since the bigger pan needs more time.

4. Can I add nuts or chocolate to this recipe?

Yes, fold 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chips into batter end. Or top before bake. Nuts toast nice; chocolate melts pools. Keep 250g base ratios same.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Swap 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if blend lacks. Test bake small first. Rises same with right mix. Dairy swaps work too.

6. How to fix a cracked top?

Cracks happen from high heat or overbeating. Lower oven to 325°F next time. Tent with foil if browning fast. It’s normal and doesn’t hurt taste.

Dust with sugar to hide. Gentle folding keeps batter stable. Cool slowly to reduce sinking too.

The Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe creates a rich, soft dessert using simple ingredients and clear steps. A careful mixing method and proper baking time help achieve the best texture.

Try it in your kitchen and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends who would love a sweet treat!