Classic Oma's Dutch Buttercake
A heartwarming tribute to my beloved Oma, this Classic Dutch Buttercake, or Boterkoek, offers a perfect blend of rich butteriness and subtle almond flavor. Each bite transports you back to sweet memories of family gatherings, where my Oma's baking was always the star of the show. This cake is wonderfully dense yet tender, with a beautiful golden crust. It's perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon tea. Indulge in a slice of nostalgia and feel the love that goes into each buttery piece!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
margarine or half-and-half
2/3 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
egg
1 large (beaten (reserve 1 teaspoon))
flour
1 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
sliced almonds
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the margarine or half-and-half with sugar and almond extract. Cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy.
3
Add the beaten egg (reserve 1 teaspoon for later) into the mixture and blend well until fully incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined to form a soft dough.
5
Transfer the dough into the prepared pie plate, pressing it down gently to spread evenly.
6
In a small bowl, mix the reserved teaspoon of beaten egg with 1 teaspoon of water, then brush this mixture over the surface of the dough for a beautiful golden finish.
7
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top, if desired, for both decoration and a delightful crunch.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch and lightly golden. Be sure it is soft inside but has formed a nice crust on the outside.
9
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and savor every nostalgic bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Oma's Dutch Buttercake?
Also known as Boterkoek, it is a traditional Dutch dessert known for its rich butteriness, subtle almond flavor, and dense yet tender texture.
What are the main ingredients for Boterkoek?
The main ingredients include margarine or half-and-half, sugar, almond extract, egg, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the buttercake take to bake?
It typically takes 25-30 minutes to bake until the cake is firm and lightly golden.
What type of pan should I use?
A 9-inch pie plate or tart pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I achieve a golden crust?
Brush the top of the dough with a mixture of one reserved teaspoon of beaten egg and one teaspoon of water before baking.
Can I add a topping to the cake?
Yes, you can sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for decoration and extra crunch.
What is the texture of this cake?
The cake is wonderfully dense and tender with a beautiful golden crust.
Why should I reserve a teaspoon of egg?
The reserved egg is mixed with water to create an egg wash for the top of the cake to give it a golden finish.
Is almond extract necessary?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure almond extract to provide its signature flavor.
Should the dough be soft?
Yes, the mixture of wet and dry ingredients should form a soft dough.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The 9-inch pie plate or tart pan should be greased before adding the dough.
Do I need to sift any ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the flour and baking powder before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How do I mix the sugar and fat?
Cream the margarine (or half-and-half) together with the sugar and almond extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I eat Dutch Buttercake warm?
Yes, the cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What type of flour is used?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including the optional almond garnish.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic comfort food and a beloved family recipe.
How do I spread the dough in the pan?
Transfer the dough into the prepared plate and press it down gently to spread it evenly.
Should the center of the cake be hard?
No, the cake should be firm to the touch on the outside but remain soft on the inside.
Can I use half-and-half instead of margarine?
According to the recipe, you can use 2/3 cup of either softened margarine or half-and-half.
What size egg is needed?
The recipe calls for one large egg, beaten.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
What does 'Boterkoek' mean?
Boterkoek is the Dutch name for Buttercake.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a classic Dutch recipe passed down from the author's Oma (grandmother).
When is the best time to serve this cake?
It is perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon tea.
Should I cool the cake before slicing?
The recipe recommends allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing.
What is the preparation for the margarine?
The margarine should be softened before creaming it with the sugar.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of granulated sugar.