National Dish Germany: Butter Cake (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Butter Cake, one of Germany’s most cherished bakes and a fixture on any proper afternoon coffee table. Built on a simple yeast dough and crowned with a glorious layer of butter and sugar, it is moist, rich and utterly moreish. Quick to throw together yet endlessly adaptable, it is the kind of homely treat that turns a quiet afternoon into a small celebration. Bring a slice of German baking tradition straight to your own kitchen.
About Butter Cake
Butter Cake is a traditional German bake that is especially popular at family gatherings and picnics. Its charm lies in a straightforward yeast dough topped with a deliciously indulgent layer of butter and sugar. Not only does it come together quickly, it also lends itself to countless variations, so there really is something to suit every taste. Simple, generous and comforting, it captures the easy warmth of German home baking in a single tray.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 ml milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 75 g butter
- 1 pinch of salt
- Cinnamon (to taste)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients, it is well worth choosing fresh, good-quality produce. The yeast and the butter in particular play a leading role in the flavour of the cake, so they are worth getting right. You will find everything you need in any well-stocked supermarket. With the butter, look out for the label “grass-fed butter”, as it has a noticeably richer, more rounded taste.
Preparing the dish
Before you start baking, it pays to weigh out and lay out all your ingredients in advance. This makes the actual preparation far quicker and more relaxed. It is also a good idea to ready a baking tray or tin by lining it with baking parchment or greasing it well, so the finished cake lifts out cleanly and does not stick.
Step-by-step instructions
- Warm the milk gently and dissolve the yeast in it. Leave the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes, until bubbles begin to form.
- Tip the flour, sugar, egg, salt and the yeast-milk mixture into a bowl and knead to a smooth, supple dough. Leave it to rise in a warm place for around 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough out to the size of your tin and press it into the prepared tray.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and dot them evenly over the dough. Scatter generously with sugar and, if you like, a little cinnamon.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (conventional heat) for about 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, you can swap the ordinary flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Do keep an eye on the baking behaviour of your chosen flour, as it can differ from the standard kind. For a lactose-free cake, simply replace the regular milk with lactose-free milk and use lactose-free butter. Small swaps like these mean everyone at the table can enjoy a slice without worry.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make a vegan Butter Cake, replace the egg with half a mashed banana or a flax egg. A flax egg is easy to make: mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and leave it to swell. Use a plant-based butter alternative as well, along with a plant milk such as oat or almond milk, and the cake becomes fully vegan while keeping all of its tender, buttery character.
More tips and tricks
One tip for an especially fluffy result is to let the dough rise twice rather than once. This gives the cake an even lighter, airier crumb. If you prefer your Butter Cake with a bit more crunch, switch the oven to the grill setting for the final minutes of baking and let the buttery top crisp up to a delicate golden finish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
If you fancy something fruitier, you can top the cake with apple slices or berries, simply scattered over the dough before it goes into the oven. Another lovely option is to add chopped nuts or flaked almonds for an extra-crisp texture and a gently nutty flavour. Little touches like these let you turn the same basic recipe into a different treat each time you bake it.
Ingredient substitutions
Instead of sugar, you could reach for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a more natural sweetness — just adjust the quantities accordingly. For an aromatic twist, swap the cinnamon for vanilla sugar or cardamom; both spices pair beautifully with butter cake. The same easy spirit of substitution carries across other bakes too, much as it does in a comforting Rhubarb Cake.
Drink pairing ideas
Butter Cake is a natural partner for coffee or tea. A freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant black tea rounds off the flavour of the cake perfectly. For a more refreshing option, you might serve it with a glass of cold milk or a fruit juice. If you would like something more distinctly regional, a cup of East Frisian Tea with Rock Sugar and Cream makes a wonderfully traditional accompaniment.
Serving and presentation ideas
Cut the Butter Cake into even squares and arrange them on a decorative plate or cake stand. A light dusting of icing sugar just before serving gives it an elegant finish. Add a few fresh fruits or mint leaves as a garnish to brighten the table and offer your guests a real feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
A bit of history
Butter Cake has a long tradition in Germany and is also known as Platenkuchen (tray cake). It originally hails from northern Germany, particularly Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Traditionally it was served at special occasions such as weddings and birthdays, and today it remains a beloved bake for afternoon coffee. As an unfussy, generous tray cake, it sits firmly in the heart of German cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Butter Cake
Butter Cake is a simple yet delicious German recipe that adapts easily to all kinds of diets. Whether classic, lactose- or gluten-free, vegan or topped with extra fruit and nuts, it offers plenty of room to make it your own. Give this traditional bake a try and treat your guests to a little slice of heaven — proof that simplicity and flavour go hand in hand.
