Treebeards Buttercake

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A rich, buttery crust perfect for desserts or bars, combining tender cake flavor with a crispy texture, ideal for casual gatherings or family treats.

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Ingredients

  • 18 oz. box yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Generously spray a jellyroll pan with Pam.
  2. With an electric mixer, blend dry cake mix, melted butter, and egg on low speed until moistened.
  3. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Pat the mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared jellyroll pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter. Make sure the cake mix is well blended to avoid lumps, and try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. This cake can also be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or served with fresh fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the buttercake warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with raspberry cream cheese pie for dessert lovers. A cup of coffee or tea complements this cake perfectly, making it an ideal afternoon treat or a sweet addition to brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover buttercake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Treebeards Buttercake contains roughly 844 calories, with 9g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.

844 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 38.9g 50% DV
Carbs 116.1g 42% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 434mg 19% DV
Potassium 697mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 419.1mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 80.9mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 310.3mg 24% DV
Iron 2.6mg 15% DV
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, lemon, or any flavor cake mix you prefer. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly based on the mix you choose, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

What can I do if my buttercake is too dry?

If your buttercake turns out dry, consider serving it with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture. You can also try soaking it lightly with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to enhance its moistness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buttercake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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