Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the golden rays of morning light dance across my kitchen, I savor a slice of Classic French Butter Cake, an experience that feels both nostalgic and utterly divine. This dreamy cake, with its rich buttery flavor and tender crumb, showcases the beauty of traditional baking in a way that invites you to explore your own creativity. Naturally sweet and deceptively simple, the French Butter Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that effortlessly transitions from a cozy afternoon treat to a centerpiece at festive gatherings. With its forgiving preparation and use of high-quality ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve success. What’s your favorite way to elevate a classic dessert? Why Will You Love This Cake? Simplicity at Its Finest: This French Butter Cake is as easy to make as it is delicious, allowing bakers of all levels to shine in the kitchen. Decadent Flavor: Rich unsalted butter and pure vanilla create an indulgent taste that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruits, each slice is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Make-Ahead Wonder: Perfect for gatherings, bake it in advance and relish in the delight of flavors that improve with time. Cultural Charm: Embrace a slice of French heritage as you experience the timelessness and elegance of this delightful dessert—an unmistakable crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Consider pairing it with a lovely cup of espresso or tea for a truly sumptuous experience. French Butter Cake Ingredients • For the ultimate richness in flavor and texture, gather these ingredients to make your classic French Butter Cake. For the Batter Unsalted Butter – Use fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor and richness in your French Butter Cake. Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and stability; avoid substitutes that might affect the cake’s texture. Eggs – Large, room temperature eggs help bind the ingredients and incorporate moisture evenly into the batter. Vanilla Extract – Opt for pure vanilla for an enhanced, authentic flavor that complements the richness of the cake. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cake’s structure; can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Baking Powder – A fresh leavening agent is essential for achieving that perfect rise in your cake. Salt – Balances the sweetness; adjust if you are using salted butter. Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds moisture and richness; for a dairy-free option, choose plant-based milk instead. Optional Topping Powdered Sugar – A light dusting for decoration that enhances the visual appeal and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors. Serving Suggestions Fresh Fruit or Crème Fraîche – Pair with seasonal fruit or a dollop of crème fraîche for a delightful contrast to the rich cake. Indulge in the making of this delightful French Butter Cake and let it transport your taste buds to the charming patisseries of France! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for French Butter Cake Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray. To ensure easy removal, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, which will help keep your French Butter Cake intact once baked. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture appears light, fluffy, and pale in color, indicating that the sugar has begun to dissolve into the butter. Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs Next, add the large, room temperature eggs to the creamed butter mixture, one at a time. Ensure that you mix well after each addition; this will help maintain a stable emulsion and create a batter that’s rich and cohesive, essential for the success of your French Butter Cake. Step 4: Mix in Vanilla Extract Once the eggs are fully incorporated, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix gently until it is seamlessly combined. The aromatic essence of vanilla will enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to your delightful French Butter Cake. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds, until just combined. This careful blending will contribute to the cake’s tender texture. Step 6: Add Milk or Cream Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream, continuing to mix gently until the batter is just smooth and there are no visible lumps. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could affect the final texture of your French Butter Cake, making it dense rather than light and airy. Step 7: Transfer to Cake Pan Once your batter is ready, transfer it into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring that the surface is flat. This will help your French Butter Cake rise uniformly, resulting in an appealing and luscious finished product. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the cake pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for the perfect tender and fluffy French Butter Cake. Step 9: Cooling the Cake After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows it to set before transferring it to a wire rack, where you will let it cool completely. Cooling thoroughly ensures that you achieve those clean slices when ready to serve. Step 10: Dust and Serve Once your French Butter Cake has cooled, gently dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve it plain to truly appreciate its rich flavor or with fresh fruit, crème fraîche, or any toppings that complement this moist and delicious cake for an unforgettable treat! How to Store and Freeze French Butter Cake Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its tender texture and rich flavor. Fridge: If you prefer to keep it longer, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week, but note that refrigeration might slightly alter its texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. Reheating: To refresh the cake, gently reheat it in the microwave or oven on low for a few minutes, enhancing the softness and buttery goodness of your French Butter Cake. Make Ahead Options These French Butter Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients as instructed, covering the bowl tightly, and refrigerating it. This not only saves precious time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can bake the cake ahead of time and cool it completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply dust it with powdered sugar, and you’ll have a deliciously moist French Butter Cake that tastes just as delightful as when it was freshly baked! French Butter Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this delightful cake and make it your own! Each variation allows for a unique twist while preserving that buttery goodness. Citrus Twist: Add zest from lemons or oranges to elevate the flavor profile with a refreshing brightness. Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the cake’s soft texture. Almond Flavor: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a uniquely fragrant and nutty taste. Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a rich chocolatey version of this classic cake. Fruit Infusion: Mix in seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of natural sweetness and color. Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil for a delectable dairy-free alternative. Italian Influence: For an Italian flair, compare and contrast your French Butter Cake with an Italian Butter Cake, which often has a hint of lemon and utilizes different mixing techniques. Serving Style: Serve with a drizzle of homemade blueberry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream; it adds an elegant touch, making each bite an exquisite experience. Don’t hesitate to explore these wonderful twists on the classic Butter Chicken Comfort or add your own signature flair while you enjoy the baking process! Whether you stick to tradition or venture out, each bite is sure to be memorable! Expert Tips for French Butter Cake Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better incorporation, leading to a smoother batter and a lovely French Butter Cake. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Your goal is to keep that light, airy crumb! Check Freshness of Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the cake’s flavor; stale ingredients can affect the rise and taste. Parchment Paper is Key: Lining your cake pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove your beautifully baked French Butter Cake. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to avoid uneven or messy pieces. The flavor improves with a little patience! What to Serve with Classic French Butter Cake Treat yourself to a delightful experience by elevating this classic dessert into a full meal with complementary sides and drinks. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the cake’s richness while offering a pop of color. Crème Fraîche: A dollop of this tangy cream embodies a luxurious balance, cutting through the cake’s sweetness with a creamy richness. The creaminess adds an elegant touch, perfect for special occasions. Espresso or Coffee: A robust cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully, uplifting the cake’s buttery notes while creating a cozy atmosphere. The warm bitterness is a comforting complement. Lemon Curd: A tangy lemon curd drizzled atop brings brightness that elevates the cake’s flavor profile, making each bite a delightful contrast of sweet and sour. Plus, it adds a lovely zest that perks up the dessert. Chocolate Ganache: Pouring warm ganache over the cake offers an indulgent touch that marries beautifully with the buttery nature of the cake for a chocolate lover’s dream. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a luscious cloud of sweetness, making each bite of cake feel like a cozy hug. Ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners! French Butter Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best butter for this cake? Absolutely! Fresh, high-quality unsalted butter is key to achieving that rich, creamy flavor. Look for butter that’s labeled as “European-style” for an even higher fat content, which will enhance the texture and taste of your French Butter Cake. What’s the best way to store leftovers? To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend its life, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, but keep in mind that this may slightly change the cake’s texture. Can I freeze French Butter Cake? Yes, you can! To freeze your cake, slice it into individual pieces and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. What if my cake is too dense? If your French Butter Cake turns out dense, it’s often due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Always mix until just combined to maintain that light texture, and ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps ensure a tender crumb. Are there any dietary considerations for this cake? Certainly! If you’re baking for someone with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, you can make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter. Just pay attention to how these substitutions might alter the texture slightly. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake? Very! To elevate the classic profile of your French Butter Cake, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract into the batter. These simple additions will enhance the overall flavor without overpowering that beloved buttery richness. French Butter Cake: A Luxuriously Rich Treat to Savor Experience the rich buttery flavor and tender crumb of this French Butter Cake, a true crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter1 cup Unsalted Butter Use fresh, high-quality butter2 cups Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness and stability4 large Eggs Room temperature1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract Opt for pure vanilla2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend2 teaspoons Baking Powder Fresh leavening agent1 teaspoon Salt Adjust if using salted butter1 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream For dairy-free, choose plant-based milkOptional Toppingpowdered sugar for dusting Light dusting enhances visual appealServing Suggestionsas desired Fresh Fruit or Crème Fraîche For delightful contrast Equipment 9-inch round cake panElectric MixerMixing bowlWhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.Add the large, room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain stability.Incorporate the pure vanilla extract and mix gently until combined.In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined, then add to wet ingredients on low speed until just mixed.Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream, mixing gently until the batter is just smooth. Avoid overmixing.Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy plain or with fresh fruit, crème fraîche, or other toppings. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake's light texture. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
