Here’s a German Butter Pound Cake recipe, known in German as “Butterkuchen” (though some regional versions differ). What you’re probably referring to is a German-style Butter Pound Cake, which is rich, dense, and buttery—perfect with coffee or tea.
🇩🇪 German Butter Pound Cake Recipe (Butterkuchen / Butterrührkuchen)
✅ Yield:
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One 9×5 inch loaf (serves about 10–12 slices)
🧈 Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
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1 cup (226g / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (optional, for classic German flavor)
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⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk or heavy cream, room temperature
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
🍳 Equipment:
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9×5 inch loaf pan
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Electric mixer (hand or stand)
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Mixing bowls
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Sifter or whisk (for dry ingredients)
🧁 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour your loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
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Gradually add the sugar and beat for 4–5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and light.
🔑 This step is crucial—it incorporates air and gives the cake its fine crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Add vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest, and mix to combine.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
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With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk:
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Start and end with dry: ⅓ flour → ½ milk → ⅓ flour → ½ milk → ⅓ flour.
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Mix just until everything is combined. Do not overmix, or the cake will be dense.
Step 6: Bake
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
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Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until:
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A toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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The top is golden brown and has slight cracks.
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Step 7: Cool
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
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Cool completely before slicing.
🍰 Serving Suggestions:
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Dust with powdered sugar.
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Serve with whipped cream or berries.
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Pairs beautifully with coffee or black tea (German-style “Kaffeezeit”).
🔄 Variations:
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Marble Cake: Reserve ⅓ of batter, mix with 1 tbsp cocoa powder, and swirl in.
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Rum Butter Cake: Add 1–2 tbsp dark rum or rum extract to the batter.
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Fruit version: Add a layer of sliced apples or cherries before baking.