Craving that warm and gooey cake from Outback Steakhouse? This Outback Steakhouse butter cake recipe nails the restaurant magic at home.
Rich buttery flavor with a crisp top and molten center. Perfect copycat version. Learn how to make Outback Steakhouse butter cake with simple steps. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
My Story With This Comforting Butter Cake
I discovered Outback Steakhouse butter cake on a rainy date night. The warm cake arrived with ice cream. One bite and I was hooked. At home, I experimented for months.
Now my family begs for this Outback Steakhouse butter cake recipe. It feels like a fancy night out. Warm hugs in dessert form. What’s your go-to comfort sweet?
Equipment List
- 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer.
- Mixing bowls (two sizes).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Rubber spatula.
- Cooling rack.
- Ice cream scoop (optional).
- Oven mitts.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake
For the cake batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
- 2 cups granulated sugar.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1 cup whole milk.
For the butter sauce topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons water.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
Ingredients for Outback Steakhouse butter cake are basic. No fancy stuff needed.
Instructions for Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake
1. Preheat and Prep Pan
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 9×13 baking dish with butter. Dust lightly with flour. Tap out extra. This prevents sticking. Set aside. Room temp ingredients mix best.
2. Make the Cake Batter
Cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar in large bowl. Use mixer on medium. Beat 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one by one. Beat well after each. Mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry mix to wet mix alternately with milk. Start and end with flour. Mix just until combined. Smooth batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake the Cake
Bake 30-35 minutes. Check with toothpick. It should come out clean from edges. Center stays slightly soft. While baking and make butter sauce.
In saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 3/4 cup sugar and water. Bring to boil. Stir constantly 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
4. Add Butter Sauce and Finish Baking
Remove cake from oven after 35 minutes. Poke holes all over top with toothpick. Pour hot butter sauce evenly. It soaks in fast. Return to oven 10-12 more minutes. Edges turn golden. Top gets crisp. Cool in pan 20 minutes. Then cool on rack. Cake firms as it cools.
5. Serve Warm
Cut into squares. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Sauce makes gooey center. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. This is how to make Outback Steakhouse butter cake magic.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Room temp eggs and butter cream better. No lumps.
- Don’t overmix batter. Keeps cake tender.
- Poke deep holes for sauce soak. More flavor inside.
- Variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to batter.
- Variation: Use brown sugar in sauce for caramel taste.
- Variation: Top with fresh berries and cream.
- Aluminum foil on edges if browning too fast.
- Measure flour by spooning, not scooping. Lighter cake.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Butter cake started in the American South during the 1800s. Simple ingredients made it popular. Outback Steakhouse added their gooey version in the 1990s. It became menu star.
The secret? Butter sauce poured midway. Creates dual texture. Crisp top, pudding-like bottom. Diners love the contrast. Now home cooks everywhere copy it. Outback Steakhouse butter cake recipe lives on.
What to Serve With This Dish
Vanilla ice cream is classic. Melts into warm cake. Fresh whipped cream works too. Add strawberries for tartness. Coffee or milk cuts richness. After steak dinner, it’s perfect. Blueberries add pop. Chocolate sauce drizzle for extra indulgence.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Great for dinner parties. Family game nights love it. Birthday celebrations shine. Potlucks always impress. Holiday desserts fit right in. Tailgate warm-ups too. Wedding showers with mini squares. Any cozy gathering.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temp: Cover airtight. Good 2 days.
- Fridge: Wrap well. Lasts 5 days.
- Freezer: Cool fully. Wrap squares. Freeze 2 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Microwave 20-30 seconds. Or oven 300°F 10 minutes.
- Add ice cream after reheating. Fresh melt.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 66g |
| Sugars | 48g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Values based on 12 servings. Made with listed ingredients.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Outback Steakhouse butter cake recipe is pure indulgence. Butter and sugar bring joy. Milk adds calcium. Small squares fit treat days. High calories from fats. Share to control portions. Use low-fat milk swap if you want. Pair with fruit. Enjoy mindfully for happy balance.
Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened.
- 2 cups granulated sugar.
- 4 large eggs room temperature.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1 cup whole milk.1/2 cup unsalted butter.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons water.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep Pan
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 9×13 baking dish with butter. Dust lightly with flour. Tap out extra. This prevents sticking. Set aside. Room temp ingredients mix best.
Make the Cake Batter
- Cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar in large bowl. Use mixer on medium. Beat 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one by one. Beat well after each. Mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
- In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry mix to wet mix alternately with milk. Start and end with flour. Mix just until combined. Smooth batter into prepared pan.
Bake the Cake
- Bake 30-35 minutes. Check with toothpick. It should come out clean from edges. Center stays slightly soft. While baking and make butter sauce.
- In saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 3/4 cup sugar and water. Bring to boil. Stir constantly 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
Add Butter Sauce and Finish Baking
- Remove cake from oven after 35 minutes. Poke holes all over top with toothpick. Pour hot butter sauce evenly. It soaks in fast. Return to oven 10-12 more minutes. Edges turn golden. Top gets crisp. Cool in pan 20 minutes. Then cool on rack. Cake firms as it cools.
Serve Warm
- Cut into squares. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Sauce makes gooey center. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. This is how to make Outback Steakhouse butter cake magic.
Notes
- Room temp eggs and butter cream better. No lumps.
- Don’t overmix batter. Keeps cake tender.
- Poke deep holes for sauce soak. More flavor inside.
- Variation: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to batter.
- Variation: Use brown sugar in sauce for caramel taste.
- Variation: Top with fresh berries and cream.
- Aluminum foil on edges if browning too fast.
- Measure flour by spooning, not scooping. Lighter cake.
FAQs about Outback Steakhouse Butter Cake Recipe
Why is the center gooey?
Butter sauce soaks in midway. Baking softens middle. That’s the signature texture. Cool fully for best slice. It’s meant to be pudding-like inside.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust time. 8×8 pan bakes 50-55 minutes. Deeper cake. 9×13 is classic for thinner slices. Glass or metal both work.
What if I skip the sauce?
Sauce makes it Outback-style. Without, it’s regular butter cake. Still tasty but misses gooey magic. Don’t skip!
How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum. Same steps. Tastes close to original.
Can I make ahead?
Yes! Bake day before. Reheat gently. Flavor improves overnight. Freezes great too.
Final Thoughts
Your Outback Steakhouse butter cake recipe is ready to bake. Warm, gooey perfection awaits. I love sharing this with friends. It sparks smiles every time. Grab ingredients for Outback Steakhouse butter cake today.
How to make Outback Steakhouse butter cake is simple now. Create memories over dessert. Try it soon. Tell me in comments—did you get that perfect gooey center? Bake happy, friends!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!