Name: French Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted; 3 eggs, room temperature; 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅔ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Jump to Recipe

Imagine a cake so irresistibly tender, buttery, and fragrant that each bite quietly melts on your tongue. This French Butter Cake Recipe is the ultimate celebration of simple elegance and home-baked warmth—a treat worthy of sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself. With its delicate crumb and golden, sparkling sugar crust, this cake brings classic French baking straight to your kitchen, filling the air with that unmistakable aroma of nostalgia and comfort.

French Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the French Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity; quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a crucial part, contributing to the cake’s signature moisture, lift, and buttery depth.

1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake and helps develop a golden brown top.
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted: Choose a good-quality butter, as this is the heart of your cake’s flavor.
3 eggs, room temperature: Room temperature eggs blend easily and help the cake rise evenly.
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for a warm, aromatic note that enhances the butteriness.
2 cups cake flour: Cake flour keeps the crumb soft and silky—it’s worth seeking out if you can.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the gentle lift that keeps the cake light but not airy.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors in the mix.
⅔ cup sour cream: Adds rich moisture and a subtle tang for a perfectly tender crumb.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping: This simple sprinkle creates the signature, sparkly golden crust.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish well; this helps release every buttery piece with ease. Lining the bottom with parchment can give extra insurance for a flawless cake removal.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Melted Butter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter for about one minute. You’re looking for a texture that’s light and a bit fluffy—the melted butter and sugar should look slightly creamy. This step creates the base of the French Butter Cake Recipe’s unmistakable richness.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition so the batter becomes smooth and cohesive. Add the vanilla extract and stir. Each egg works its magic for structure, while the vanilla elevates everything with its warm aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures no lumps and that every bite of your French Butter Cake Recipe is delicate. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until no streaks remain. Resist the urge to overmix—your reward will be a tender crumb.

Step 5: Gently Fold in Sour Cream

With a spatula, gently fold the sour cream into the batter. This is what makes the cake moist and gives it that lush, barely-there tang. Mix delicately so you don’t lose any of the airiness built in the earlier steps.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top: this will bake into a delicately crackled, golden crown. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your French Butter Cake Recipe cool in the pan for a few minutes, then slice into squares. This short waiting period also lets the crumb fully set, making each slice picture-perfect.

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is lovely, but feel free to take it up a notch with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of berry compote complements the rich, buttery flavor.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with fresh fruit like sliced peaches or macerated strawberries can add a beautiful brightness. For a more indulgent affair, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small cup of espresso—so very French!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking and slicing the French Butter Cake Recipe into petite squares for a dessert platter, or serve each piece with a swirl of lemon curd for a zesty contrast. Layering the squares with a creamy filling also turns them into a decadent trifle—perfect for special celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake at its finest, store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The sugar topping helps preserve freshness and maintains that signature crackle.

Freezing

French Butter Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay delightful for up to two months—just defrost at room temp when the craving strikes.

Reheating

If you’d like your cake slightly warm (and who could blame you?), just pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Alternatively, a quick toast in the oven at low heat revives both the crumb and the sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour—just remove 2 tablespoons per cup and replace with cornstarch to mimic that super-soft texture.

What’s the best way to ensure my cake is moist?

Take care not to overbake, as the French Butter Cake Recipe is at its best when just barely golden on top. The addition of sour cream locks in moisture, so follow the ingredient list closely for best results.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this cake?

Yes! Finely grated lemon zest, a handful of fresh berries, or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts are wonderful additions. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

The elegance and delicate flavor of the French Butter Cake Recipe make it a stunning choice for birthdays, showers, or any occasion worth celebrating. Dress it up with fresh fruit or leave it plain—either way, it always impresses.

How do I achieve that perfect sugar crust on top?

Be generous with your final sugar sprinkle before baking, and don’t skip it! This step is key to the French Butter Cake Recipe’s irresistible sweet crackle and golden finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the comforting, melt-in-your-mouth magic of this French Butter Cake Recipe. Whether you’re a longtime baker or just beginning your pastry adventures, this cake is bound to become a favorite for years to come. Give it a try and let every bite transport you to a cozy corner of France!

French Butter Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9x9-inch cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this classic French Butter Cake. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

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 vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in sour cream until incorporated into the batter.
Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of 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 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French