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
Scale
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.
