34 Decadent Butter Cake Recipes Perfect for a Sweet Afternoon Treat

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Barbara Rosenthal

Yesterday, I’d be delighted to take you on a journey through the realm of richly flavored butter cakes. These indulgent treats are always in high demand, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. What sets them apart from other types of baked goods is their distinctive ability to melt in your mouth, releasing an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

You don’t have to be a seasoned baker to whip up one of these butter cakes – our guide has been carefully crafted with both beginners and experienced bakers in mind. Before we dive into the recipes, take a moment to get everything ready: preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get started on creating some truly unforgettable desserts!

Classic Butter Cake

Classic Butter Cake

A quintessential delight in the world of baking, The Classic Butter Cake is a soft and fluffy masterpiece that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea. Its unique blend of butter and oil not only keeps it moist but also imparts a rich, velvety texture and an unmistakable buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a frosting of your choice, this cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What’s more, it remains fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature before needing refrigeration to prevent drying out, making it an ideal treat for anyone who craves a delicious and versatile butter cake.

Butter Cake

Butter Cake

A delightful twist on traditional desserts, Butter Cake seamlessly combines the comforting familiarity of a yellow sheet cake with the richness of a cheesecake bar. The foundation of this dessert lies in its chewy butter cake base, which provides a satisfying texture before being topped with a creamy, custard-like cream cheese layer. To add an extra layer of indulgence, the entire creation is then drizzled with a rich and velvety butter sauce.

Old Fashioned Homemade Butter Cake

Old Fashioned Homemade Butter Cake

Keenly anticipated by many home bakers, the Old Fashioned Homemade Butter Cake is a timeless classic that yields an irresistible combination of moisture and flavor. Its uncomplicated recipe relies on a few fundamental ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, buttermilk, high-quality butter, and a hint of vanilla extract.

Easy Butter Cake

Easy Butter Cake

Making a classic tea cake has never been easier than with the Easy Butter Cake recipe. Utilizing simple pantry staples such as butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, it’s possible to create a soft, tender, and delightfully buttery cake that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. The secret to success lies in ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature, and in avoiding overmixing or overbaking the cake.

This attention to detail is crucial, as it directly impacts the final texture and flavor of the cake. When paired with a light buttercream frosting, the Easy Butter Cake recipe transforms into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Honey Butter Cake

Honey Butter Cake

Vying for attention among dessert enthusiasts, the Honey Butter Cake stands out with its unique blend of flavors and textures. Layers of honey-infused cake create a rich and moist base, while a generous helping of creamy honey cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the underlying notes of honey. The finishing touch is a luscious honey butterscotch glaze, which introduces a deep, caramel-like flavor that elevates this dessert to new heights.

Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed as a sweet indulgence on its own, the Honey Butter Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone with a taste for butter cake perfection.

Kentucky Butter Cake

Kentucky Butter Cake

Delivering on its name, the Kentucky Butter Cake is a mouth-watering delight that combines the richness of dense, moist cake with a decadent butter glaze. This traditional recipe is surprisingly easy to make from scratch, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. The result is a truly indulgent dessert that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed butter cake aficionado or simply looking for a new dessert to try, Kentucky Butter Cake is a must-try that’s guaranteed to impress with its luscious flavor and satisfying texture.

Gooey Butter Cake

Gooey Butter Cake

Often considered a classic Midwestern dessert, Gooey Butter Cake has gained popularity nationwide due to its simplicity and irresistible taste. With a short ingredient list consisting of a yellow cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, this cake is surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of a moist cake batter crust and a creamy, gooey cream cheese topping makes it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Its ease of preparation and versatility in flavors make it perfect for gatherings or special events, where it can be served fresh or stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 5 months. Feel free to experiment with different variations, such as strawberry or pumpkin, to add a unique twist to this beloved recipe.

Mastro’s Butter Cake

Mastro

Oozing with buttery goodness, Mastro’s Butter Cake is an authentic recreation of the restaurant’s signature dessert. The exterior boasts a satisfying crunch from turbinado sugar, while the interior remains delightfully moist and almost runny. When served warm, this indulgent treat is paired perfectly with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Although the cream cheese filling is optional, I found that skipping it allowed the cake’s rich flavors to shine through unobstructed, making for an equally enjoyable experience without the added richness.

Keto Butter Cake

Keto Butter Cake

Renowned for its indulgent taste and versatility, the Keto Butter Cake has captured the hearts of many in the low-carb community. Its distinctive crumb and moist texture make it an ideal dessert option for those with dietary restrictions. With almond flour, cream cheese, and a thoughtful blend of sweeteners as key ingredients, this cake is a game-changer for anyone seeking a keto-friendly indulgence that’s both delicious and impressive.

Cookie Butter Pound Cake

Cookie Butter Pound Cake

Sprinkled with the distinctive taste of Belgian chocolate spread, the Cookie Butter Pound Cake is an exquisite dessert that tantalizes the senses. The rich flavors of Biscoff cookie butter meld beautifully with the moist texture of the butter cake, resulting in a visually stunning presentation when baked to perfection in a Bundt pan. The icing, crafted from cream cheese and a generous dollop of cookie butter, brings a luscious and creamy element to the dish.

The crowning glory is the sprinkling of crushed Biscoff cookies on top, adding an irresistible crunch and a touch of whimsy that elevates this cake beyond mere indulgence. With its delectable texture and irresistible flavor, this recipe is sure to captivate anyone seeking to take their butter cake creations to new heights.

Almond Butter Cake

Almond Butter Cake

Generally speaking, the Almond Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that’s perfect for special events or as a sweet treat paired with your favorite coffee. Its bold almond flavor, courtesy of the almond paste used in the recipe, is further enhanced by the crunchy texture provided by sliced almonds on top. This cake has become a fan favorite among those who adore the nutty taste and is a stunning addition to any dessert spread.

Chocolate Cookie Butter Cake

Chocolate Cookie Butter Cake

Making a statement with its rich flavors, The Chocolate Cookie Butter Cake is an indulgent dessert that perfectly balances the decadence of dark chocolate cake with the creamy sweetness of cookie butter frosting and the velvety texture of chocolate ganache. The dense layers of moist and flavorful chocolate cake are expertly paired with the light and fluffy cookie butter frosting, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

The crowning glory is the drizzle of rich chocolate ganache on top, which adds the perfect finishing touch and elevates this dessert to new heights. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate cake, this cookie butter version will surely impress with its unique twist on the classic combination.

French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake

Yearning for a sweet and simple dessert, the French Butter Cake is an ideal choice. Made with everyday pantry staples and boasting a hint of almond flavor, this cake boasts a moist and light texture due to the use of oil instead of butter. The glaze adds a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the cake.

Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream and fresh fruit, ice cream, or various sauces, making it an excellent option for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Additionally, this cake freezes well, providing a convenient solution for future treats.

Easy Gooey Butter Cake

Easy Gooey Butter Cake

Emerging from the heart of the Midwest, Easy Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved regional dessert that has gained popularity across the United States. Characterized by its dense cake base, gooey cream cheese topping, and delicate dusting of powdered sugar, this treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

With a straightforward ingredient list featuring cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or weeknight desserts that require minimal effort but maximum impact.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies

Outstanding among cookie enthusiasts is the Kentucky Butter Cake Cookie, a creative reinterpretation of the traditional butter cake. This unique dessert combines the richness of a cake mix with the convenience of a cookie, resulting in a treat that is both rich and buttery, with an exceptionally moist and chewy texture. The addition of a sweet glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar add a touch of sweetness to this already delightful cookie.

As a result, it’s perfect for those who adore the flavors of butter cake but appreciate the ease of a cookie.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Justly earning its reputation as one of the most indulgent desserts out there, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake has been delighting sweet-tooths for decades. Its unique combination of a shortbread-like crust and creamy, pudding-like filling makes it a treat unlike any other. To top it all off, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch without overpowering the richness of the cake itself, eliminating the need for frosting.

The recipe, made entirely from scratch, is surprisingly accessible to even novice bakers, with clear and concise instructions that yield consistently delicious results. Given its gooey filling, it’s best stored in the refrigerator to maintain its texture. Overall, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a rich and decadent butter cake experience.

Lemon Cream Butter Cake

Lemon Cream Butter Cake

Elevating the world of desserts, The Lemon Cream Butter Cake is a masterful blend of two beloved treats: a buttery lemon cake and a creamy lemon cheesecake. At its core, this delightful dessert boasts a rich outer layer of moist and flavorful lemon-infused cake, perfectly complemented by an airy and tangy lemon cream cheese filling within.

Chocolate Butter Cake

Chocolate Butter Cake

Rewritten from its original ingredients, the Chocolate Butter Cake has undergone a transformation to become an even more tantalizing treat. Rather than relying on artificial flavor enhancers, real butter takes center stage, elevating the overall taste experience. The addition of oil provides moisture and tenderness without overpowering the richness of the butter. Furthermore, brown sugar contributes not only sweetness but also a deep, caramel-like flavor that enhances the cake’s overall depth.

When it comes to liquid, coffee is used instead of traditional milk or water, allowing the chocolate flavors to take center stage while maintaining a perfect balance.

German Butter Cake (Butterkuchen)

German Butter Cake (Butterkuchen)

Crafted with love and precision, German Butter Cake, also known as Butterkuchen, showcases the quintessential flavors of authentic German baking. This timeless sheet cake boasts a light and airy yeast dough that’s generously topped with an abundance of butter, sugar, and sliced almonds.

Bama Butter Cake

Bama Butter Cake

Among the many types of cakes out there, Bama Butter Cake stands out for its exceptional texture and flavor profile. This moist and dense vanilla cake boasts a delightful pecan crunch that adds a satisfying element to each bite. The crowning glory is the sweet butter sauce drizzled on top, which not only enhances the moisture but also brings in an extra layer of flavor.

While it shares some similarities with bundt cakes and poke cakes, Bama Butter Cake has a unique charm to it that sets it apart from other treats. It’s recommended that you allow the cake to rest for a few days before indulging, as this will enable the flavors to meld together perfectly, ultimately making it a must-try for any butter cake enthusiast.

Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake

Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake

Understated yet indulgent, the Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake is a pound cake that has been elevated by its rich and sweet syrup. Unlike many recipes, this one employs the convenience of a cake mix, making it effortless to prepare. The incorporation of powdered sugar not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the overall flavor profile. When served a day or two after baking, this Bundt cake transforms into an even more decadent treat due to its increased moisture levels.

One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility – various extracts can be added to create distinct flavors, allowing individuals to tailor the taste to their liking. As a result, the Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake is an absolute must-try dessert that is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake

Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake

Beyond its appealing presentation, the Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake boasts an unbeatable flavor profile that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. With cookie butter seamlessly integrated into every layer – from the moist cake itself to the rich frosting on top – this dessert is a masterclass in balance and restraint. The clever combination of buttermilk, oil, and cookie butter results in a truly indulgent treat that’s neither too dense nor too overpowering.

Whether you’re planning a small gathering or simply need a pick-me-up, this Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake is an excellent choice, as it’s remarkably easy to prepare and consistently turns out beautifully every time. In short, this cake has earned its spot as a family favorite due to its unbeatable taste and versatility.

Gooey Chocolate Butter Cake

Gooey Chocolate Butter Cake

Delighting dessert lovers with its fudgy and moist texture, the Gooey Chocolate Butter Cake is a decadent treat that perfectly combines the flavors of cake and brownies. Made using a box of cake mix and a few additional ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. The cake’s rich and comforting nature makes it an ideal indulgence during times when you need a little extra comfort.

Its ability to satisfy any chocolate craving is undeniable, making it a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of chocolate.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Often sought after by chocolate enthusiasts, The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a delectable treat that combines rich, velvety chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling, topped with a generous drizzle of luscious chocolate ganache. This heavenly combination makes it the perfect choice for those who adore the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, making it an ideal option for any special occasion or celebration.

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