Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 17, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024

If you are looking for a delicious and decadent cake recipe, then you must try this Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake. This rich butter cake is made with simple ingredients and topped with a sweet glaze. 

The light and fluffy texture of the cake pairs perfectly with the creamy glaze, creating a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Now, you must be thinking about how to make this delicious cake. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some time in the kitchen. With this Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake recipe, you can make a one-of-a-kind dessert that everyone will love!

Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

What Is maggiano’s gigi butter cake?

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake is an Italian-style dessert that consists of a light, fluffy butter cake covered in a sweet glaze. The recipe was created by the famous Italian chef Maggiano and is popular in both Italy and the United States. 

The cake is made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. This dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s also incredibly easy to make!

Want more butter cake Recipes? Check them out!

Where Did I First Try Maggiano’s gigi butter cake

For the first time, I went to Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Los Angeles, California. It was a Tuscan-style restaurant with traditional Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and more. 

I went there with my family for dinner one night and we decided to order the Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake for dessert. I had never tried this type of cake before but I was pleasantly surprised by how light and fluffy it was. 

It had a sweet, buttery flavor that I found myself craving more of. The creamy glaze on top added another layer of sweetness to the cake and really enhanced its flavor.

I also appreciated how easy it was to make this dish. All you needed were a few basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. With these simple ingredients, you can make a delicious dessert in no time at all.

I was so impressed with the flavor and texture of Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake that I immediately asked for the recipe. The chef kindly shared it with me and since then I’ve been making it at home whenever I have guests over. It’s always a hit!

I like to serve Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and some berries for added flavor and texture. It’s truly an indulgent dessert that everyone can enjoy. The best part is that it’s so easy to make, even novice bakers can make it with ease.

If you’re looking for a unique dessert to serve at your next gathering, I highly recommend trying Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake. It’s sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

For the cake:

  • Butter: This ingredient enhances the flavor and texture of the cake. Make sure to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in your recipe.
  • Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness to the cake and helps to create a light and fluffy texture. Granulated sugar is recommended for this recipe but you could also substitute brown sugar if desired.
  • Baking powder: This ingredient helps to leaven the cake and create a fluffy texture.
  • Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
  • Eggs: Eggs are used as a binding agent in this recipe. They also add richness and flavor to the cake.
  • Cake flour: Cake flour is used in this recipe instead of all-purpose flour as it creates a lighter and fluffier texture.
  • Salt: This ingredient helps to enhance the flavor of the cake.
  • Vanilla extract: This adds sweetness and flavor to the cake.

For the glaze:

  • Butter: This adds richness and flavor to the glaze.
  • Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to thicken the glaze.
  • Vanilla extract: This adds flavor to the glaze.
  • Water: This helps to thin out the glaze and make it easier to drizzle onto the cake.
Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177ºC). Grease a bundt pan and set aside. Using a hand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, cake flour, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. To make the glaze, combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted, then bring to a low boil for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and water. Drizzle the glaze over the cake and let cool completely before serving.

Cooking Tips

  • Make sure to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in your recipe.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before use.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter as this can cause it to become dense.
  • Make sure to let the cake cool completely before drizzling on the glaze.
  • If you want to make this cake more decadent, top it with fresh whipped cream and some chopped nuts or berries.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before use. 

You can also substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour if desired. However, the texture will not be as light and fluffy as when made with cake flour. Additionally, you can substitute melted butter for melted shortening if you prefer. 

Finally, you can replace the sugar in the glaze with a different type of sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and decadent cake recipe, then you must try this Maggiano's Gigi Butter Cake. This rich butter cake is made with simple ingredients and topped with a sweet glaze. The light and fluffy texture of the cake pairs perfectly with the creamy glaze, creating a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 9 people
Calories: 526kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer, etc

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1.5 cups of sugar a golden elixir
  • 3 large eggs each one a golden treasure
  • 1 cup of buttermilk a tangy dance on the palate
  • 1 tablespoon of artisanal baking powder a magic potion for rise
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract the essence of Madagascar beans
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt a whisper from ancient seas
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda a leavening alchemist
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter softened to perfection
  • 2.25 cups of sifted cake flour a cloud-like foundation for your creation

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar a sweet symphony
  • 1/4 cup of water the elixir of life
  • 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract a fragrant touch from distant vanilla orchids
  • 1/2 cup of European-style unsalted butter a creamy indulgence from grass-fed cows

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350°F (177ºC). Generously grease a bundt pan with butter or oil and set aside. Using an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  • In another bowl, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, cake flour, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour blend.
  • Drop in the eggs one at a time, blending just until incorporated after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepped pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a cooling rack. To make the glaze, melt butter and sugar together in a medium saucepan over low heat. Increase the temperature to bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
  • Turn off the heat and add vanilla extract and water, stirring until amalgamated. drizzle the glaze over the cake and allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in your recipe.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before use.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter as this can cause it to become dense.
  • Make sure to let the cake cool completely before drizzling on the glaze.
  • If you want to make this cake more decadent, top it with fresh whipped cream and some chopped nuts or berries.
Keyword: Maggiano’s gigi butter cake recipe

Nutrition Information

HappyForks analyzer 14 1

How to Store Leftover Maggiano’s gigi butter cake?

Leftover Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To thaw it, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake in moderation. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before consuming any sweets during pregnancy.

Is this cake gluten-free?

No, this cake contains wheat flour which contains gluten. Therefore it is not suitable for those who are sensitive to gluten or suffer from celiac disease.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake is best served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and some fresh berries. This combination adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes it even more indulgent and enjoyable.

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake. This unique and delicious dessert is sure to impress your guests and give them something sweet to remember. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this indulgent treat in no time at all.

If you like the recipe, you can share it with your family and friends or save it for later use. I hope you enjoy making this delectable dessert as much as I did!

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Author Profile

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

4 thoughts on “Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide”

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you for a super tasty recipe! Made exactly as directed (except made in two 9″ cake pans because I do not own a bundt pan) and was so delicious. I did adjust cook time to 325 degrees for 50 minutes due to the pan adjustment and the results were wonderful thanks to your recipe!

    Will make again and again! I was super surprised how easy this was, too! BONUS! THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and that it turned out well even with the pan adjustment. It’s great to know that the cook time adjustment worked perfectly too. I’m glad you found the recipe easy to follow as well. You’re very welcome, and I hope you continue to enjoy making this cake again and again! If you have any questions or need more recipe suggestions, feel free to ask. Happy baking!

      Reply

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