If you’ve ever been to Maggiano’s Little Italy and tried their famous Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake, you know how amazing it is. It’s a rich, buttery cake with a sweet glaze that’s loved by everyone who tries it. The great news is that you can make this delicious dessert at home, and it’s not as hard as you might think!
This cake is soft, moist, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration. It’s also really versatile, so you can enjoy it just as it is, or add toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream.
Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake: A Dessert Everyone Loves
Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake has become a favorite dessert at the restaurant. It’s easy to see why—it’s soft, buttery, and sweet, with a glaze that’s just the right amount of sweetness. People love the texture too; it’s the perfect balance between moist and tender.
The cake itself is simple but full of flavor, thanks to the generous amount of butter. When you bite into it, the cake just melts in your mouth, and the glaze adds that extra layer of sweetness that makes it even more irresistible.
Why This Cake is So Popular
What makes Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake stand out? It’s the rich, buttery flavor and the texture that’s both soft and moist. The glaze, made with butter, sugar, and vanilla, makes the cake even more delicious, giving it that velvety sweetness that everyone loves.
The cake is perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just want a tasty treat, this cake will always be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy it at home whenever you want!
What’s the Story Behind Gigi Butter Cake?
The origins of the cake are a bit mysterious, but it’s believed to have been created at Maggiano’s Little Italy, a chain of Italian-American restaurants. Some people think the name “Gigi” could be a tribute to one of the founders of the restaurant, Gigi Pappas. Regardless of where the recipe came from, it’s clear that the cake has become a favorite, and now you can make it in your own kitchen!
Why You Should Make This Cake
Here are some great reasons why you should try making Gigi Butter Cake:
- Everyone will love it: This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
- Easy to make: Even though it looks fancy, the cake is easy to make with simple ingredients that you can find at any store.
- Customizable: You can enjoy it plain, or you can get creative with your toppings—whipped cream, fresh fruit, or ice cream are all great options!
- A rich treat: Sometimes, we all need a little indulgence, and this cake is the perfect way to treat yourself.
- Bring the restaurant home: If you love Maggianos, you can now enjoy one of their signature desserts right in your own kitchen.
So why not give it a try? You’ll be able to wow your family and friends with a delicious homemade dessert that tastes just like the one at the restaurant!
What Does Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake Taste Like?
Maggianos Gigi Butter Cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. The taste is a perfect balance of buttery goodness and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s not overly sweet, which is part of what makes it so perfect.
The cake is soft, moist, and tender. It has a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. The glaze that goes on top is like a sweet, smooth topping that makes the cake even better.
Thanks to the butter, the cake has a rich, creamy flavor that’s hard to beat. The sweetness is just right, so the butter flavor stands out without being too overwhelming. Every bite of the cake is a perfect blend of flavors!
What Ingredients Are in Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake?
Here’s what you need to make Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake:
- Softened unsalted butter: This gives the cake its rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances out the butter.
- Large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a nice, subtle flavor to complement the butter.
- All-purpose flour: This is the main base of the cake, helping it hold together.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These help the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: A little salt enhances the flavors of the cake.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
For the glaze, you will need:
- Sugar: Sweetens the glaze.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the glaze.
- Water: Thins out the glaze to make it easier to pour.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of vanilla flavor to the glaze.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make the cake:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These are great for mixing the batter smoothly, but if you don’t have one, you can mix by hand.
- Mixing bowls: At least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These ensure you get the right measurements for the ingredients.
- Bundt pan (10-inch): This gives the cake its signature shape. You can also use a 9-inch round pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular dish if you don’t have a bundt pan.
- Saucepan: This is for making the glaze.
- Whisk: You’ll need this to stir the glaze until it’s smooth.
- Wire rack: Used to cool the cake after baking. If you don’t have one, you can use a clean towel or plate.
How to Serve Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake
Once the Maggiano’s Gigi Butter cake is done baking, here’s how to finish it off:
- Let the cake cool: After baking, let the cake sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by heating sugar, butter, water, and vanilla in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
- Pour the glaze: Once the cake is cool, place it on a serving plate and pour the glaze over it. Let it drip down the sides and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Serve: Cut slices and serve! You can enjoy it on its own or add toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or ice cream.
What to Serve with Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake
While the cake is delicious on its own, you can make it even better by pairing it with a few extra treats:
- Whipped cream: A classic topping that adds a light, creamy touch.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add color and freshness to the cake.
- Caramel or chocolate sauce: Drizzle these over the cake for an extra indulgent treat.
- Ice cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs wonderfully with the cake.
- Nuts: Add some toasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, for a nice crunch.
You can try different toppings to find out which one you like best!
Helpful Tips for Making the Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help everything mix smoothly.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
- Let the cake cool completely: If you add the glaze while the cake is still warm, it might slide off.
- Use a serrated knife: This helps you cut nice, clean slices of cake without squishing it.
- Store it properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Store Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake
If you have leftover Maggiano’s Gigi Butter cake, here’s how to store it:
- Room temperature: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- In the fridge: The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a sealed container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or oven.
The glaze may become a little sticky when stored, but it will still taste great!
Ingredient Substitutes
If you’re missing any ingredients, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Cake flour: If you don’t have cake flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Sour cream: You can use plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or regular yogurt instead.
- Vanilla extract: Almond extract or lemon extract works as a replacement.
- Butter: You can use unsalted butter or margarine, but note that margarine contains more water, which might slightly change the texture.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake is an easy-to-make, delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery flavor and sweet glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
Try out this recipe and enjoy making this classic dessert at home! Whether you’re serving it at a special event or just enjoying it with your family, you’ll love the results. Happy baking!
Recipe you may like…
Maggiano’s Gigi Butter Cake
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 bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by combining butter, sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze on top, letting it spill over the sides.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade butter cake!
