Like most major cities, Philadelphia is split into sections. Every section of Philly (Center City, Northwest, Northeast, North, South, and West Philadelphia – why isn’t there an East Philadelphia?) has its own distinct mannerisms, culture, dialect, and even cuisines.
As a native of Philadelphia (Northwest representing), I’ve never heard of Northeast Philly Butter Cake.
Named America’s Fattest City for a Reason
When I tried a square (you MUST eat in squares), I thought my brain would explode in a mixture of sugar, carbs, and just plain happiness.
Northeast Philadelphia treasure – A whole Butter Cake
Why haven’t I heard of Butter Cake? From birth until age 13, I never ventured far from my West Oak Lane neighborhood. The furthest I’ve traveled from the mothership was to and from high school, Cardinal Dougherty. My high school was an accumulation of students from Northeast and Northwest Catholic students.
Even then I learned the amazing Polish cuisine coming out of Northeast Philadelphia, but the residents never revealed their greatest gift that their land had to offer. :: queue dramatic music ::
Until now …
My friend had a recipe from The Philadelphia Inquirer published many years ago. Although it uses a yellow boxed cake mix, the additional fat and sugar compensate for it. I doctored it up flavorwise. I like to use my intuition when it comes to flavoring because I’m a gourmet gangsta. While true butter cake is gooey, I prefer a firmer butter cake. Bake it for less time if you like a less firm topping.
Philadelphia Butter Cake
A hidden Northeast Philadelphia buttery, fatty, cakey treasure.
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix I prefer Duncan Hines
- 1 stick Butter Softened
- 4 large Eggs 2 for the crust and 2 for the filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 16 oz powered (confectionary) sugar
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Room temperature
Instructions
-
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place parchment paper in a 12x12 pan. 2) Combine cake mix, butter, and 2 of the eggs and mix well. 3) Press into the prepared pan. Make sure it's even. You do not want any thick spots. 4) For the filling, you'll need to mix powdered sugar, 2 eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese. 5) Scrape the bowl to make sure there are no lumps are hidden at the bottom. Beat until smooth. 6) Spread mixture over cake. 7) Bake for 50 minutes. Rotate pan after 25 minutes. 8) Cut into squares.
Cut into squares so you can share the Butter Cake.
Story and photos by The Pastry Prophet
8 Comments
“Cut into squares so you can share the Butter Cake.”
Why in hell would anyone want to do that?? Now that I have had YOUR butter cake, I have decided it is superior to other butter cakes. I like the firmness and I liked that it was sweet and satisfying and didn’t hurt my teeth. Yes, I have had butter cake that literally hurt my teeth for the sugar content. This butter cake is divine!
Thank you! I glad you liked it.
This looks like the recipe I lost for my favorite butter cake. Going to make it this weekend,
I love Butter Cake! My local bakery Weinrich’s in Newtown Square makes a delicious German butter cake. It is quite moist but still yummy. I think Ill try your recipe and enjoy the firmness more while still enjoying the buttery sweet flavors. Keep on Baking the goodies my Gourmet Gangsta!
When you make it let me know what you think. It’s the perfect snack with a cup of coffee (or tea).
Traditional butter cake has a yeast based dough and does not use cream cheese
I went to cardinal Dougherty also! I was feeling homesick for butter cake and found your recipe. Can’t wait to make it
I always knew of this as a st Louis buttercake, ky buttercake, or chess pie. It is very delicious but im looking for a real philly buttercake recipe like from bakeries. Hard to find.