California Pizza Kitchen Butter Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for smooth batter)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (for a tender lift)
• ½ teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness and enhance flavor)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (used partially in wet ingredients for caramelization)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature for creamy batter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (combine with butter to create a fluffy mixture)
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature for better emulsion)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for warm aromatic notes)
• ½ cup whole milk (adds moisture and tenderness)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) (Creates the signature buttery top)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar (provides rich caramelization)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (optional, adds crunch and flavor)