California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe: The Best Gooey Dessert

There’s a reason why California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe is one of the most talked-about desserts in the restaurant world. With its rich, buttery cake base and smooth cheesecake-like topping, this indulgent treat is pure comfort on a plate. Served warm and often paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that creates cravings you can’t ignore.

The good news? You no longer have to wait for a trip to CPK to enjoy it. With this copycat California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe, you can recreate the same rich, gooey magic right in your own kitchen. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious weekend treat, this recipe is simple enough for home bakers but elegant enough to impress your guests.

Check out our Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie if you love rich, creamy desserts!

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Why Everyone Loves California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

The Story Behind CPK’s Signature Dessert

California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake has become something of a cult classic among dessert lovers. While the restaurant is best known for its inventive pizzas, this warm, gooey cake has been quietly stealing the show for years. Originally created as a comforting, sharable dessert, its popularity has soared thanks to its perfect balance of rich flavors and creamy textures.

What Makes This Butter Cake So Special

What sets California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe apart is its clever two-layer design. The base layer is a dense, buttery cake that offers a soft crumb and rich flavor. On top of this is a smooth cheesecake-like layer that melts into the cake as it bakes, creating a luscious, gooey center. When served warm, it delivers an unforgettable bite that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Taste and Texture of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

The flavor of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake is all about balance. The buttery richness of the cake contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese layer. Together, they create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s enhanced by serving the cake warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got dessert heaven.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients for the Cake Layer

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Layer

• 3 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Special Equipment Needed

To achieve the signature look and texture of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll want to use:

• 6 ramekins (4 oz.) — ideal for individual servings
• Alternatives: small springform pans, jumbo muffin pans, or a 9-inch cake pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack

Tips for Selecting the Best Ingredients

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese provides the best texture. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions.
• Vanilla extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for a richer flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Black Magic Cake Recipe if you love deep, decadent chocolate desserts!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

Preparing the Cake Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Coat 6 ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until combined.
4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour until fully incorporated.
5. Divide 6 tablespoons of the batter into each prepared ramekin. Smooth the batter using the back of a spoon to level it.

Preparing the Cheesecake Layer

1. Clean the mixing bowl (or use a separate large bowl).
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Slowly beat in the egg white and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Pour 1 tablespoon of the cheesecake batter on top of the cake batter in each ramekin. Spread evenly with the back of a spoon.

Baking the Butter Cakes

1. Place the filled ramekins onto a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and set.
3. Transfer ramekins to a wire rack to cool.

Cooling and Releasing the Cakes

• Let the butter cakes cool to room temperature before attempting to remove them from the ramekins.
• Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then gently release.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Don’t miss our Red Velvet Cupcakes for another crowd-pleasing dessert option!

Variations and Creative Twists on California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

One of the best parts about this California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe is how versatile it can be. The base flavors are rich but neutral enough that you can easily add your own creative twists. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gluten-Free Version

If you’re baking for someone who follows a gluten-free diet, no worries! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will still be rich, buttery, and delicious.

Flavor Variations

Want to add a personal touch to your California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe? Try these simple swaps:

• Almond or maple extract: Replace some or all of the vanilla extract to add a new layer of flavor.
• Citrus twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a fresh, bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer.

Topping Ideas

How you serve your butter cake can take it from delightful to unforgettable. Here are some favorite toppings:

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring a burst of freshness and color.
• Vanilla ice cream: The most classic choice. Serve the cake warm so the ice cream melts slightly over the top — pure heaven!
• Caramel drizzle: For an indulgent, restaurant-style presentation, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake just before serving.

Discover great ideas like our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake if you love desserts with both creamy and crunchy elements!

How to Serve California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

Best Way to Serve This Dessert

California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake is best served warm. This brings out the gooey texture of the cake and enhances the contrast between the buttery base and creamy cheesecake layer.

When serving, consider adding:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A spoonful of fresh berries
• A drizzle of warm caramel or berry sauce

Ideal Occasions for Butter Cake

Thanks to its rich flavor and impressive presentation, this California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Dinner parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser to finish your meal.
• Birthday celebrations: Serve with a candle on top for a unique alternative to traditional cake.
• Holiday gatherings: This warm, gooey dessert is always a hit during colder months.
• Casual weekend treat: Because sometimes you just deserve something indulgent!

Presentation Tips

Want your butter cakes to look as good as they taste? Here are a few simple tricks:

• Use high-quality ramekins for perfectly portioned servings.
• Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Arrange fresh berries and mint leaves around the plate for color contrast.
• Serve on a warmed plate if serving with ice cream — this helps the ice cream melt into the cake beautifully.

Looking for more ideas? Check out our Red Velvet Cupcakes for another dessert that’s sure to impress.

Storing and Freezing California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake

If you manage to have any leftovers (which isn’t easy with this irresistible dessert), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh.

How to Store Butter Cake

• Refrigeration: Store leftover butter cakes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator.
• Let refrigerated cakes come to room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Butter Cake?

Yes! This California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe freezes well:

1. Wrap each cooled butter cake individually in plastic wrap.
2. Place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to serve, thaw the cakes in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Shelf Life

• Refrigerator: 3–4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months

Just remember — California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake is best enjoyed warm, so plan to reheat it for that signature gooey texture.

Check out our Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars if you love rich and fruity baked desserts!

FAQs about California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe

Conclusion

The California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe is a dessert that delivers on every level: rich, buttery, creamy, and downright irresistible. With its signature two-layer design and gooey center, this copycat version brings the magic of CPK right into your own kitchen.

Whether you serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or dress it up with berries and caramel, this butter cake is sure to become a go-to favorite for special occasions and everyday indulgence. Don’t wait — try it today and see why so many people can’t get enough of California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake!

Don’t miss our Key Lime Pie Bars if you’re looking for another refreshing dessert to add to your menu.

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