There’s something magical about sinking your fork into a warm butter cake at Mastro’s Steakhouse. That moment when the crisp exterior gives way to a soft, buttery center is nothing short of heavenly. If you’ve ever experienced this indulgence, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The good news? You don’t need a reservation at this high-end steakhouse to enjoy this iconic dessert. With this copycat recipe, you can recreate this decadent treat right in your own kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter cake is the epitome of indulgence. The rich, buttery flavor combined with a delicate cream cheese layer creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes with that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that made Mastro’s version famous.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like Christmas, ringing in the New Year, planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, or simply wanting to make someone’s birthday extra special, this butter cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s fancy enough for celebrations yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
Copycat Warm Mastro’s Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 mini cakes
Ingredients
Butter Cake Batter (First Layer):
- 4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Batter (Second Layer):
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment Needed
- Mini springform pans
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Stand mixer bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Butter Cake “Mastro’s Style”
Step 1: Mix the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This lower temperature ensures the cakes bake evenly without browning too quickly on the outside.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake its signature texture.
Incorporate the eggs individually, making sure each one is completely blended into the mixture before dropping in the next one. This technique keeps the batter from separating and maintains its silky texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract just until it’s mixed through.
Combine the flour and salt in a different bowl with a quick whisk. Switch your mixer to low and slowly introduce these dry ingredients to your butter mixture. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears – when you can’t spot any more white streaks, that’s your cue to finish. Continuing beyond this point activates the gluten, potentially resulting in a dense rather than delicate cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. You want a light, airy texture without any lumps.
Once smooth, mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the egg. Beat until just combined – overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might cause cracks during baking.
Step 3: Combine the Butter Cake Layers
Generously butter your mini springform pans to ensure easy removal after baking. The buttery exterior is part of what makes this cake special, so don’t be shy here.
Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the butter cake batter into each prepared pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. You’ll notice the batter has a substantial consistency, reminiscent of what you’d see when making cookies.
Gently pour about 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture over the butter cake batter in each pan. The cream cheese layer should sit on top without being completely mixed in.
Step 4: Bake Your Butter Cakes
Place the filled pans on a baking sheet (to catch any butter that might leak) and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and place on paper towels to absorb any excess butter that may have pooled during baking.
Step 5: Mix the Raspberry Sauce
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the raspberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the raspberries break down and release their juices. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract all the liquid. Set aside to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Your Mastro’s Butter Cake
For the full Mastro’s experience, serve your butter cake warm with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of your homemade raspberry sauce. The contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream creates that signature temperature play that makes this dessert so memorable.
Other delicious serving suggestions include:
- Fresh berries for a bright, acidic contrast
- Whipped cream for added richness
- Caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence
- A shot of espresso or cup of coffee to balance the sweetness
- Chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture
- Flavored syrups for a personalized touch
- A glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated pairing
What to Pair with Mastro’s Butter Cake
To create a complete Mastro’s-inspired dining experience at home, consider serving this butter cake as the grand finale to a meal featuring:
A classic wedge salad with blue cheese dressing to start, followed by a main course of your favorite steak preparation alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted garlic green beans.
For non-steak options, try a savory pork Wellington or pork tenderloin with poached pears. Vegetarian diners might enjoy baby fingerling potatoes or roasted root vegetables served with a fresh salad.
For beverages, nothing complements this rich dessert quite like a glass of champagne or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.
Other Dessert Recipes from WM Design House
If you enjoy this butter cake, you might also love these other sweet treats from our collection:
- Layered Angel Food Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Lemon Ricotta Cookies
- Baked Apples in the Air Fryer
Wrapping Up
While this butter cake certainly isn’t an everyday treat (with four sticks of butter, it’s definitely an indulgence!), it’s the perfect way to celebrate special moments and create memories around your table. The beauty of this copycat recipe lies in its simplicity – despite its restaurant-quality results, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
So the next time you’re craving that famous Mastro’s butter cake, skip the reservation and head to your kitchen instead. Your family and friends will be thoroughly impressed, and no one needs to know just how easy it was to make!