Name: Dutch Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon fine salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing on top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery desserts that feel like a warm hug on a plate, this Dutch Butter Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of tender crumb and golden, slightly crisp top, boasting hints of orange zest and nutmeg that elevate every bite. Whether you’re noshing on it with afternoon tea or serving it as an understated yet impressive dessert, this cake brings simple ingredients to life with incredible flavor and texture. Let’s dive into why this Dutch Butter Cake Recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface with soft natural light. There is a clear glass bowl at the top left with two large yellow blocks of butter. To the right, a silver metal bowl contains a pile of white flour with a small amount of brown powder on one side. Below these, a white oval dish is filled with three different types of sugar: white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. On the right side of the dish, there are two whole white eggs placed close to a bright orange tangerine fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Dutch Butter Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a tender, flavorful cake. Each one plays a vital role, from the all-purpose flour that forms the base to the orange zest adding a subtle brightness that keeps it from being too rich.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the cake, ensuring it holds together with a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the cake.
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened: Key to that rich, moist texture and buttery flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with the tender crumb.
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a slight caramel note that complements the butter beautifully.
2 teaspoons orange zest: Gives a fresh citrus pop, lifting the whole cake to something truly special.
1 large egg, room temperature: Adds moisture and binds ingredients together for a smooth batter.
1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Extra richness and helps with the cake’s silky texture.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds a familiar comforting aroma.
1 large egg white, lightly beaten: Used to brush on top, creating a glossy finish and perfect crosshatch pattern.

How to Make Dutch Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray, then line both the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This ensures your cake will come out effortlessly after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine salt, and ground nutmeg. Setting this aside now makes mixing later a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for a light texture and to infuse the cake with those bright orange notes evenly throughout.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the large egg and egg yolk to the buttery mixture and beat until fully combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, sweet aroma that feels so inviting. Taking your time here ensures a smooth batter without any lumps.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and sugar blend, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—this is perfect! Overmixing can toughen the cake, so take it easy at this stage.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Transfer the dough into your prepared springform pan. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the top and use it to smooth the dough evenly across the pan’s surface. This keeps things neat without sticking to your hands. Then discard the plastic wrap.

Step 6: Add Egg White and Create Crosshatch Pattern

Brush the top of the dough gently with the lightly beaten egg white. Using the tines of a fork, create a crosshatch pattern by dragging the fork across the dough in one direction and then the other. This traditional detail not only looks beautiful but gives the cake its characteristic golden, textured top.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top has turned a lovely golden hue, about 25 to 30 minutes. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes in the pan to settle, then carefully remove and cool completely on a wire rack. This step ensures you get those perfect slices without any crumbling.

How to Serve Dutch Butter Cake Recipe

A slice of thick, golden-yellow cake with a moist texture sits on a white plate. The cake has a slightly browned top layer with a soft, soft middle and a firmer crust at the bottom. A small piece has been taken off the slice by a silver fork, resting next to the slice. In the background, the rest of the full cake, with several slices and the same color and texture, is visible on a white plate, all placed on a wooden table with a white marbled surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Dutch Butter Cake is lovely on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds adds a delightful finishing touch. For an extra pop, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a smear of citrus marmalade complements the orange zest beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a cup of strong coffee, black tea, or even a chai latte creates a cozy indulgence worth savoring. For a brunch spread, it shines alongside fresh berries and creamy yogurt to balance its buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into neat rectangles and serve on a wooden board for a rustic vibe, perfect for casual gatherings. Alternatively, try layering cooled chunks into a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert centerpiece that showcases this Dutch Butter Cake Recipe in a whole new way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Dutch Butter Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored this way, it stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice any time.

Freezing

If you want to save cake for later, freeze well-wrapped slices or the entire cake for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Freezing locks in freshness without sacrificing texture or flavor here.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked experience, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The cake’s buttery nature means it comes back soft and cozy every time.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is recommended to control salt levels precisely, you can use salted butter—just reduce or skip adding extra salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

Is it necessary to use orange zest?

Orange zest adds a delightful brightness and classic flavor, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, you could substitute lemon zest or omit it altogether. The cake will still be delicious.

Why is the egg white brushed on top?

Brushing egg white helps achieve a shiny, golden crust with a beautiful crosshatch pattern. It also adds a slight crispness on the surface, enhancing the cake’s texture and appearance.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but results may vary slightly. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum can help maintain the texture.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, this cake stays fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend its life up to five days, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Dutch Butter Cake Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Dutch comfort into your home. Its rich buttery flavor, tender crumb, and subtle hint of citrus come together in one gorgeous, satisfying cake. I can’t recommend it enough for when you want to impress with something both simple and spectacular. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cake!