French Butter Cake Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with the French Butter Cake Recipe, a classic treat that’s beloved for its melt-in-your-mouth crumb, subtle sweetness, and perfectly golden top. With its luxuriously buttery flavor and delicate vanilla aroma, this cake brings a taste of French bakery magic straight into your own kitchen. Whether it’s morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a late-night craving, this easy-to-make delicacy offers a beautiful experience with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fancy or fussy here: the French Butter Cake Recipe relies on a handful of honest, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly memorable. Every element has a purpose—whether it’s the richness of butter, the fluffiness of cake flour, or the tang of sour cream—to make each bite unforgettable.
- Granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness; it gives the cake a tender crumb and helps create that irresistible sugary crust on top.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the show—use the best quality you can find, as it drives both flavor and texture in this cake.
- Eggs (room temperature): Bring your eggs to room temperature for the best rise and a beautifully cohesive batter.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t skimp—good vanilla will add warm, aromatic layers that make the cake feel special.
- Cake flour: The magic maker for a soft, fine crumb; cake flour keeps your French Butter Cake Recipe exquisitely tender.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake bakes up light and fluffy every single time.
- Salt: A pinch balances out the sweetness and really amplifies all the other flavors.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a hint of tang that lifts the richness, keeping the cake lush but never heavy.
- Extra granulated sugar (for topping): A simple sprinkle creates a crackly, caramelized crown that’s utterly addictive.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. Proper prep ensures your cake will release effortlessly and bake evenly, so don’t skip this step! The warm oven sets you up for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter for about one full minute. This process aerates the mixture and dissolves the sugar, laying the foundation for an especially moist and tender crumb in your French Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in your eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Each egg helps build structure and richness while the vanilla infuses the batter with warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures your French Butter Cake Recipe stays light, fluffy, and free of lumps—a small effort with big rewards!
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the cake, so mix gently and stop as soon as no floury streaks remain.
Step 6: Fold in the Sour Cream
With a light hand, fold sour cream into the batter. The result? A silky-smooth, luscious cake mixture that delivers moisture and just a hint of tang with every bite.
Step 7: Add Sugar Topping and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and gently smooth the top. Sprinkle the entire surface with the remaining granulated sugar, then slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean and the top is gloriously golden.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares. This brief wait lets the crumb settle—trust me, it’s worth it! Now, get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines with just a dusting of powdered sugar, though a few berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a light glaze can take it to the next level. The rustic, sparkling sugar crust means you truly don’t need much more, but have fun trying different garnishes each time you serve!
Side Dishes
Pair your French Butter Cake Recipe with softly brewed coffee, fresh berries, or a citrusy fruit salad for contrast. Vanilla ice cream is another favorite—especially when the cake is just slightly warm. It’s a versatile dessert that belongs at breakfast, brunch, or after-dinner gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your cake into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful tea party, or layer squares in a glass with whipped cream and fruit for a chic trifle presentation. For special occasions, serving each piece on a fancy platter with a sprig of mint makes the cake feel even more celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover French Butter Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keep it in the fridge to maintain that perfect crumb.
Freezing
The French Butter Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices at room temperature and the texture will be nearly as fresh as the day it was baked.
Reheating
Bring your cake slice up to room temperature or give it a gentle 10-second zap in the microwave—just enough to revive its soft texture and buttery fragrance. Warmed slices pair exceptionally well with tea or coffee!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
While you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch, cake flour is preferred for its finer texture and ability to yield an extra-tender crumb. If you only have all-purpose, try removing two tablespoons from each cup and replacing it with cornstarch for a closer match.
What kind of butter works best?
High-quality unsalted butter makes all the difference in the French Butter Cake Recipe. European-style butters, with their higher fat content, bring an even richer flavor, but any fresh, good-quality unsalted butter will serve you well.
Can I add fruit or other flavors?
Absolutely! Fold in a handful of blueberries, a swirl of lemon zest, or a layer of sliced almonds for creative twists. This classic recipe is wonderfully adaptable to both your pantry and your imagination.
Why is room temperature important for eggs?
Starting with room temperature eggs helps them blend into the batter more smoothly, ensuring a uniform texture and a better rise. If you’re short on time, just place eggs in warm water for a few minutes before using.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The top should be golden with crackly sugar, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the French Butter Cake Recipe is best when slightly tender in the middle.
Final Thoughts
With its simple ingredients and irresistible buttery flavor, this French Butter Cake Recipe truly deserves a place in every baker’s rotation. I hope your kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of sugar and vanilla—and that you fall head-over-heels for every bite. Give it a try and let this little slice of France brighten your day!
Print
French Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 1 9×9-inch cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this classic French Butter Cake. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and melted butter until light and airy, about 1 minute.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream until incorporated.
- Pour Batter and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: French Butter Cake, Butter Cake Recipe, Dessert Recipe
