If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistibly rich dessert, this French Butter Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a classic French treat that combines the perfect balance of buttery flavor, tender crumb, and a hint of vanilla that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re serving it at a casual afternoon tea or as a charming finish to dinner, this cake never fails to impress with its rustic elegance and timeless taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these few essential ingredients is all it takes to create a luscious cake that feels both leisurely and luxurious. Each element plays a crucial role, from giving structure to lending moisture and silkiness to the final result.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake, making it tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that buttery goodness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavens the cake just enough to keep it light and fluffy without overwhelming its delicate texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the show, the butter enriches every bite with moistness and richness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create that lovely tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Adds moisture and structure, binding the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the cake’s overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk: Keeps the batter silky and moist without weighing it down.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a dusty, elegant finish that looks beautiful and tastes lightly sweet.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan lightly with butter and dust it with flour, or even better, line it with parchment paper for an easy release. This sets the foundation for a beautifully baked cake that won’t stick and will come out flawlessly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and prevents any pockets of salt or baking powder from ruining the texture. A smooth blend is the secret behind a consistent crumb in your French Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, typically around 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, contributing to a light and airy texture that makes this cake so delightful.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and that classic vanilla aroma that defines this French Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Be careful to mix just until combined – overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender and buttery.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This oven magic transforms simple ingredients into a classic French delight.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set—and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and sweetness, making your French Butter Cake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines most brightly when paired with just a few thoughtful garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances its rustic charm. For a fruity touch, fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries bring a lovely contrast in flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Whether you want a cozy afternoon treat or a romantic dessert, serve the cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A small pot of fruit compote or a drizzle of honey also pairs wonderfully, adding moisture and complexity to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional slice! Cut the cake into cubes and skewer them with fresh strawberries or mint for a fun finger food option at parties. Or plate slices with a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce for an elegant twist that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your French Butter Cake Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, so it’s just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to enjoy later by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the butter’s luscious texture and aroma, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
What makes this a traditional French Butter Cake Recipe?
The cake’s simplicity and focus on butter and vanilla, along with its tender crumb and subtle sweetness, are hallmarks of classic French baking. It highlights quality ingredients with minimal fuss, which is a signature of traditional French desserts.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
While you can make a few substitutions, like using light olive oil instead of butter, it will change the flavor and texture significantly. For the authentic French Butter Cake experience, stick with unsalted butter and room temperature eggs for the best results.
Is this cake suitable for dietary restrictions?
This cake is naturally vegetarian but not gluten-free or dairy-free. If you want to adapt it, look for gluten-free flour blends or dairy-free butter alternatives, but be aware that these changes may alter the texture and flavor.
Can I add flavors or fillings to the French Butter Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter is a fantastic way to brighten the flavors. You could also layer the cake with jam, pastry cream, or fresh fruit to add exciting dimensions.
How do I get a moist cake every time?
The key is not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, and to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, bake the cake just until a toothpick comes out clean—it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaking than overbaking for moist results.
Final Thoughts
This French Butter Cake Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a recipe I come back to time and again because it’s easy, reliable, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and experience the joy of fresh-baked French comforts at home.
Print
French Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Butter Cake is a classic, simple, and rustic dessert known for its rich, buttery flavor and moist texture. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for tea time or coffee breaks and can be enhanced with citrus zest or served alongside fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 3–4 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a light texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, alternating with the whole milk. Mix gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and presentation flair.
Notes
- This richly buttery cake pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- For a citrusy variation, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
