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Dutch Butter Cake (Boterkoek)
If you opt to use unsalted butter in this ultrarich shortbread-like cake, increase the kosher salt to 1 teaspoon, otherwise the flavor will fall flat. And if you're so inclined, this is the place to splurge on high-fat, European-style butter or cultured butter. It's best to err on the side of overbaking, as the cake will have a raw, starchy flavor if underbaked. If you don’t have a springform pan, use a 9-inch-round cake pan coated with cooking spray and dusted with flour. Let the cake cool in the pan, then invert it onto a wire rack to remove.
10
Servings
Tip
Don't begin beating the butter and sugar until the butter is softened, then cream the mixture for a full 3 minutes. The batter needs to be very light and fluffy before the eggs are added, or it will bake up too dense.
1 hour 15 minutes
Plus cooling, 15 minutes active
Ingredients
-
2
large eggs (1 egg separated)
-
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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01Heat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the middle position. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, then dust evenly with flour, tapping out the excess. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 whole egg, the second egg yolk and the vanilla. In another small bowl, lightly beat the remaining egg white.
Reviews
March 22, 2026
Very Good
It is just like the Butter Cake I had in Amsterdam. My Dutch neighbor almost cried when it brought back childhood memories.
December 10, 2025
Interesting cake!
I made this for my husband. He doesn’t like overly sweet desserts. He absolutely loved it. He gives it a 5star rating. I liked that it was something different. It was fun to make and very easy. And being a Dutch recipe, it’s something I’ve never seen or heard of. That’s what caught my eye. I enjoy baking something different and when it turns out right and he loves it, it’s a win for me!
February 18, 2025
Very Good
I had to come back to reread the recipe as it states cake but it's really something between a cookie and a dense cake, but now I see that is what it is supposed to be, I will make this recipe again but next time I will get some European Style butter.
July 23, 2023
Dutch Butter Cake with Strawberries and Strawberry Ice cream
Awesome summer cake with fruit! It will accent and or topoff any meal
September 23, 2022
Cupcake Option Cooking Time
If I wanted to make cupcakes, how would I adjust the cooking time?
Hi Anna -
Nope. Leavener is not usually added to a traditional Boterkoek. Creaming the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy and beating the eggs on medium-high speed, incorporates air that will lighten the cake, similar to how you would lighten a pound cake.
Best,
The Milk Street Team
So some how I forgot to add the salt but I did use salted irish butter. Is it a total loss?
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Curious, Clearly is a "butter" cake. When do you "want" this kind of cake, like your think whne you want a donut or a chocolate cake or a piece of apple pie with great crust.I am trying to place it with a desire.