When I dine out and enjoy a delicious dessert, like Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe, I often find myself wanting to recreate it at home. This particular cake from Maggiano’s Little Italy is a real crowd-pleaser—it’s light, tasty, and surprisingly simple to make.

I’ve had the pleasure of sharing this easy-to-follow recipe with some friends, and they’ve been thrilled with the results. If you’ve ever been to Maggiano’s and savored their delightful butter cake, you’ll know just how lovely it is. Now, you can bring that same joy into your kitchen with this homemade version.

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with fresh fruits, creamy mascarpone, or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a light dessert suitable for any occasion and won’t leave you feeling too full. With its simple preparation, you can quickly whip up this recipe to share with your loved ones. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

Maggiano’s Famous Butter Cake: A Dessert Legend

At Maggiano’s Little Italy, there’s a dessert that’s become a must-have for many: Gigi’s Butter Cake.

Decadence in Every Bite

This cake is a treat for the senses. It’s rich, buttery, and oh-so-moist, topped with a sweet glaze that adds to its allure.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions

One bite of this cake, and you’ll understand its popularity. Many love it for its irresistible texture—a perfect balance of moistness and tenderness.

The Irresistible Glaze

Let’s talk about that glaze! It’s a heavenly mix of butter, sugar, and vanilla that coats the cake in a velvety sweetness.

Versatility at Its Best

Enjoy this cake on its own, or get creative by pairing it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Despite its richness, a small slice is enough to satisfy your cravings, making it a delightful treat for any dessert lover.

A Timeless Classic

Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a timeless recipe that brings joy to countless people worldwide.

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe background

The story behind Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe could be more straightforward. Still, it’s believed to be a special dessert from Maggiano’s Little Italy, a chain of Italian-American restaurants in the U.S.

This cake has been on the menu for ages and has become an absolute favorite among diners.

Some say the name “Gigi” could be a nod to one of Maggiano’s founders, Gigi Pappas. But where the recipe came from exactly is still a bit of a mystery. It might have been inspired by old-school Italian sweets or other buttery cakes.

Even though we’re still determining where it came from, Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe has caught on big time. Thanks to recipes found online or in cookbooks, lots of people love making and serving them at home.

What’s the big deal? Well, picture a cake that’s super rich, buttery, and really moist. It sounds amazing. It’s a total hit with anyone who’s a fan of indulgent desserts.

Why make this recipe?

Loved by everyone: This cake is a big hit with lots of people, making it a real winner for any gathering or special event with family and friends.

Easy peasy: Don’t let its fancy appearance fool you! This cake is actually super simple to make, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Make it your own: Enjoy it just as it is, or get creative by adding your favorite toppings—whether it’s a dollop of whipped cream, some juicy berries, or a scoop of ice cream.

Pure indulgence: Who can resist a rich, decadent dessert now and then? This cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a little bit of luxury in their desserts.

Bringing the restaurant home: If you’re a fan of Maggiano’s and their mouthwatering desserts, this recipe lets you experience one of their signature dishes right in your kitchen.

Trying out this recipe is a fantastic way to treat yourself to something sweet, wow your guests, and experience the flavors of Maggiano’s Little Italy right at home. So why not give it a shot?

What does Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Recipe taste like?

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe is like a slice of heaven. It’s bursting with a rich, buttery flavor that’s just right—not too sweet, not too bland.

The texture is spot-on, too: soft, moist, and oh-so-tender. It practically melts in your mouth! And that glaze? It’s like a smooth, velvety blanket of sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.

What makes this cake so buttery and delicious? Well, it’s all thanks to the generous amount of butter in the recipe. It gives the cake a wonderfully silky texture that’s simply irresistible. And the sweetness? It’s subtle, just enough to enhance the buttery goodness without overwhelming your taste buds.

When you take a bite, the flavors blend most delightfully. It’s a truly heavenly treat!

Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake hits just the right spot between sweet and buttery. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll make your sweet tooth sing and have you craving another slice as soon as you’ve finished the first.

What is in Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake?

Softened unsalted butter: This forms the cake’s rich, buttery base that gives it its delicious flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cake, striking the perfect balance with the butteriness.
Large eggs: Hold the cake together and give it structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla goodness that pairs perfectly with the buttery taste.
All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the cake, providing structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to help the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Sugar for the glaze: Makes the glaze sweet and irresistible.
Unsalted butter for the glaze: Adds richness and flavor to the glaze.
Water: Thins out the glaze, making it easy to pour over the cake.
Vanilla extract for the glaze: Adds a subtle hint of vanilla flavor to complement the cake.

Equipment required for this recipe

Stand mixer or hand mixer: This mixes the cake batter until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have either, you can use a whisk and some good old-fashioned arm power to mix by hand.

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Any type of mixing bowl, whether glass or metal, will do.

Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements matter, so grab these to measure our ingredients. If you don’t have them, regular kitchen spoons and a kitchen scale will do the trick.

10-inch bundt pan: This gives the cake its classic shape. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish instead.

Saucepan: To make the glaze. Any saucepan that can hold at least 2 cups of liquid will work.

Whisk: Stirring the glaze until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, a fork or spoon will do.

Wire rack: After baking, this cools the cake down. Don’t have a wire rack? Use a clean kitchen towel or plate instead.

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How to make Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake

Treat yourself to the luscious and buttery delight of Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake. Grab the recipe today and dazzle your family and friends with this luxurious dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 12

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a big bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well each time.
In another bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, alternating with buttermilk and vanilla extract, until everything’s combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, cook together the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
Once the cake’s done, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
When the cake’s cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it run down the sides.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade version of Maggiano’s Gigi’s butter cake!

Keyword Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake, Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

How to serve maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe

Let the cake cool: After baking, let the cake sit in the pan for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. Then, carefully flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the glaze: While the cake cools, whip up the glaze by cooking sugar, butter, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns smooth.

Pour the glaze: Once the cake is cool, transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Use a spatula to even it out if needed.

Serve: Once the glaze sets cut slices and serve. Enjoy it as is, or add your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or ice cream!

What to serve Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake with

Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake is already delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level:

Whipped cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped cream is a classic addition that adds a creamy touch.

Fresh berries: Bright and juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can be arranged on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Caramel or chocolate sauce: Drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the cake for a decadent treat.

Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream alongside the cake is a delightful pairing that adds a cool contrast.

Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts over the cake for some extra crunch and flavor.

There are lots of ways to enjoy Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake, and it all depends on what you like and your situation. Try out different toppings and ways to serve it to discover how you want it best.

My recommendations and tips

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly and evenly.
Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until everything’s just combined. If you mix too much, the cake can end up tough and dense.
Use a springform pan: A springform pan with a removable bottom makes it easy to remove the cake without messing it up.
Let it cool: Wait for the cake to cool completely before you add the glaze. If it’s still warm, the glaze will slide off.
Use a serrated knife: A serrated knife will give you nice, clean slices without squishing the cake.
Store it right: The cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Get creative: Mix things up by adding different flavors to the batter or trying out new toppings like fresh fruit or caramel sauce.

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake storage ideas

To keep Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake fresh, let it cool down first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. You can leave it at room temperature for three days or in the fridge for 5 days.

If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, or put it in a sealed container. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm it up, pop it in the microwave or oven for a few seconds.

The glaze might get a bit sticky after being in the fridge or freezer, but this will not affect the taste of the cake.

Potential ingredients substitutes

If you’re missing some ingredients for Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake, don’t worry! There are some easy swaps you can make:

Cake flour substitute: If you don’t have cake flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Sour cream substitute: Use plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
Vanilla extract substitute: Try almond or lemon extract if you’re out of vanilla.
Granulated sugar substitute: Brown sugar or a mix of brown and white sugar can work instead of granulated sugar.
Butter substitute: Use unsalted butter or margarine instead, but remember that margarine has more water so the cake’s texture might change a bit.

Remarks

In summary, Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that’s great for any event. This buttery cake is easy to make and is sure to wow your loved ones. Its moist texture and sweet glaze make it a hit at the restaurant.

With the recipe and tips we’ve shared, you can whip up a perfect Maggiano’s Gigi’s Butter Cake in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake is bound to be a hit.

So why not try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself? We hope you have as much fun making and enjoying this yummy dessert as we do!