Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

21 Aug, 2023

Looking for the perfect dessert recipe? Try Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake recipe! This indulgent and decadent cake is easy to make and is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips to create a moist and buttery cake that will become a favorite in your household. Get the recipe now!

Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Italian - American
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 180 calories

About this recipe

Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is a legendary dessert that has become a staple at the popular Italian-American restaurant chain, Maggiano's Little Italy.

It's a rich, buttery cake that's moist and decadent, with a sweet and velvety glaze that makes it all the more irresistible.

This cake is a real crowd-pleaser, and it's easy to see why. From the moment you take your first bite, you'll be transported to a world of sweet, buttery goodness. The texture of the cake is perfectly balanced, with a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

And the glaze, oh the glaze! It's a luscious blend of butter, sugar, and vanilla that forms a smooth, silky coating on top of the cake, adding an extra layer of sweetness to every bite.

What's particularly special about this cake is its versatility. It's a dessert that can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with other treats such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And because it's so rich and indulgent, a small slice can go a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth.

Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is a true delight for anyone who loves a good dessert. It's a classic recipe that has stood the test of time, and continues to bring joy and happiness to people all over the world.

Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake recipe background

The origin of Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake recipe is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a signature dessert of Maggiano's Little Italy, a chain of Italian-American restaurants in the United States.

The restaurant has been serving the cake for many years, and it has become a fan favorite.

The name "Gigi" is thought to refer to one of the founders of Maggiano's, Gigi Pappas. However, the exact origin of the recipe is not known, and it's possible that it was inspired by traditional Italian desserts or other butter cakes.

Regardless of its origin, Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake has become a popular dessert that many people enjoy making and serving at home, thanks to the availability of the recipe online and in cookbooks.

The cake's rich, buttery flavor and moist, tender texture make it a hit with anyone who loves indulgent desserts.

Why make this recipe?

It's a crowd-pleaser: This cake is loved by many, and it's sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering or special occasion.
It's easy to make: While this cake may look impressive, it's actually quite simple to make, with straightforward ingredients and instructions.
It's versatile: You can serve this cake on its own, or dress it up with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or ice cream.
It's indulgent: Let's be honest, who doesn't love a rich and decadent dessert every once in a while? This cake is the perfect treat for those who enjoy a little bit of indulgence.
It's a taste of Maggiano's at home: If you're a fan of Maggiano's Little Italy and their delicious desserts, this recipe will allow you to enjoy one of their signature dishes in the comfort of your own home.

Trying this recipe is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth, impress your guests, and enjoy a taste of Maggiano's Little Italy without leaving your house. So why not give it a try?

What does Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake taste like?

The taste of Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is simply heavenly. The cake has a rich and buttery flavor, with a subtle sweetness that's perfectly balanced.

The texture is moist and tender, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. And when paired with the smooth and velvety glaze, every bite is a symphony of flavor that's both indulgent and satisfying.

The buttery taste of the cake comes from the generous amount of butter used in the recipe, which gives it a smooth and silky mouthfeel. The sweetness is not overpowering, but rather a subtle note that complements the butteriness of the cake.

And when combined with the glaze, the flavors blend together in a harmonious and delicious way.

The taste of Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and butteriness. It's a dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, and leave you wanting more with every bite.

What is in Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake?

Unsalted butter, at room temperature: This is the base of the cake and provides the rich, buttery flavor that makes this cake so delicious.
Granulated sugar: This is the sweetener for the cake and is needed to balance the buttery flavor.
Large eggs: These are needed to bind the cake together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: This adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the cake and complements the buttery taste.
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cake and provides structure.
Baking powder: This is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Baking soda: This is another leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Salt: This is needed to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Buttermilk: This is added to make the cake moist and tender.
Sugar for glazing: This is the base of the glaze and provides sweetness.
Unsalted butter for glazing: This adds richness and flavor to the glaze.
Water: This is needed to thin out the glaze and make it pourable.
Vanilla extract for glazing: This adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the glaze and complements the cake.

Equipment required for this recipe

Stand mixer or hand mixer: This is needed to mix the cake batter and make it smooth and creamy. If you don't have a stand mixer or hand mixer, you can use a whisk and some elbow grease to mix the batter by hand.
Mixing bowls: You'll need at least two mixing bowls - one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. You can use any type of mixing bowl you have, such as glass or metal.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are important for this recipe, so you'll need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients. If you don't have measuring cups and spoons, you can use regular kitchen spoons and a kitchen scale to measure out the ingredients by weight.
10-inch bundt pan: This is the type of pan that is traditionally used to bake Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake, and it gives the cake its distinctive shape. If you don't have a bundt pan, you can use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish.
Saucepan: This is needed to make the glaze. Any type of saucepan will work, as long as it can hold at least 2 cups of liquid.
Whisk: This is needed to stir the glaze ingredients together and make it smooth. If you don't have a whisk, you can use a fork or a spoon to stir the glaze.
Wire rack: This is needed to cool the cake after it comes out of the oven. If you don't have a wire rack, you can use a clean kitchen towel or a plate to cool the cake.

How to make Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake

Indulge in the rich and buttery goodness of Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake. Get the recipe now and impress your loved ones with this decadent dessert!

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 large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Slice and serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade version of Maggiano's Gigi's butter cake!

How to serve Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake recipe

After making Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake, here are the steps to serve it:

Let the cake cool: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by combining the sugar, butter, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the glaze over the cake: Once the cake has cooled, transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to spread the glaze evenly over the cake, if needed.
Serve: Once the glaze has set, you can slice and serve the cake. You can enjoy the cake on its own, or you can add your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or ice cream.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 848 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake, Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake with

Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is a rich and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving ideas for you to adopt:

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the cake is a classic and simple way to add some extra flavor and texture.
Fresh berries: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can be arranged around the edge of the cake or scattered on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
Caramel or chocolate sauce: Drizzling warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the cake can add a decadent touch and contrast to the cake's buttery flavor.
Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on the side of the cake can be a delicious complement to the cake's rich and buttery flavor.
Nuts: Chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can be sprinkled on top of the cake to add some crunch and nuttiness to the dessert.

There are many ways to serve Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake, depending on your personal preferences and the occasion. Experiment with different toppings and presentations to find your favorite way to enjoy this indulgent dessert.

My recommendations and tips

Use room temperature ingredients: It's important to use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream to ensure that the cake batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
Don't overmix the batter: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake.
Use a springform pan: A springform pan with a removable bottom is ideal for this cake because it makes it easy to remove the cake from the pan without damaging it.
Let the cake cool before adding the glaze: The cake needs to be completely cool before you add the glaze. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off the cake.
Use a serrated knife to cut the cake: A serrated knife is ideal for cutting the cake cleanly and without tearing it.
Store the cake properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Customize the cake: You can customize the cake by adding different flavors to the batter or by using different toppings, such as fresh fruit or caramel sauce.

Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake storage ideas

To store Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake, you should wait until it has cooled to room temperature and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you need to store the cake for longer than 5 days, you can freeze it. To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy the cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To refresh the cake, you can heat it in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to warm it up.

Note that the glaze on top of the cake may become sticky and soft after storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, but this will not affect the flavor of the cake.

Potential ingredients substitutes

While it's best to use the ingredients listed in the original recipe for Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake, there are some ingredient substitutes that you can use if you don't have certain ingredients on hand or if you want to make a variation of the recipe. Here are some ideas for ingredient substitutions:

Cake flour substitute: If you don't have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture several times to ensure it's well combined.
Sour cream substitute: If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even plain yogurt.
Vanilla extract substitute: You can substitute vanilla extract with other extracts such as almond or lemon, depending on your preferences.
Granulated sugar substitute: You can use brown sugar or a combination of brown and white sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Butter substitute: You can use unsalted butter or margarine in place of the butter called for in the recipe, but be aware that margarine has a higher water content, so the texture of the cake may be slightly different.

Remarks

In conclusion, Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This rich and buttery cake is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and friends. With its moist crumb and sweet glaze, it's no wonder that this cake is a popular choice at the restaurant.

By following the recipe and tips provided, you can make a perfect Maggiano's Gigi's Butter Cake right in your own kitchen. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a delicious treat for yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about? We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delectable dessert as much as we do!