When the feeling strikes to create something sweet from scratch, there’s no need to look any further than this French Butter Cake. The first time I baked it, my kitchen was filled with the enchanting aroma of melted butter and vanilla, instantly transporting me to a quaint Parisian café. This delightful dessert captures the best of both worlds—think the luscious richness of pound cake blended seamlessly with the light tenderness of a coffee cake.
What I love about this cake is its versatility; it’s a sweet companion to your morning coffee or the perfect final note to a lovely dinner. Plus, if you’re looking for a simple dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe has got you covered! With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have, you can whip up a buttery masterpiece in under an hour. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe and discover the joy of baking something extraordinary at home!
Why is French Butter Cake a must-try?
Irresistible flavor: With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, the French Butter Cake delivers a buttery punch without overwhelming sweetness.
Quick to make: This simple dessert can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Versatile pairing: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream, paired with coffee, or dressed up with fresh berries for a delightful treat.
Easy substitutions: Gluten-free or dairy-free? No problem! This recipe adapts easily to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Sure crowd-pleaser: Watch as your friends and family fall in love with this decadent dessert—it’s bound to become a staple at any occasion!
Ingredients for French Butter Cake
• Whip up your own homemade delight!
For the Batter
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetness; consider using coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
- Unsalted Butter (2 sticks, melted) – Adds richness and moisture; unsalted is ideal for better control over salt levels.
- Eggs (3, room temperature) – Provide structure and moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Vanilla Extract (2 ½ teaspoons) – Enhances flavor; using pure vanilla extract offers the best taste experience.
- Cake Flour (2 cups) – Gives the cake its tender crumb; can substitute with all-purpose flour but add an extra tablespoon per cup.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) – Acts as a leavening agent; if you’re in a pinch, use baking soda with an acidic ingredient.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; you can skip it if you’re using salted butter.
- Sour Cream (⅔ cup) – Adds moisture and a hint of tanginess; Greek yogurt is a great dairy-free alternative.
For the Topping
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Promotes caramelization; optional if you prefer less sweetness on top.
How to Make French Butter Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly.
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Combine sugar and melted butter in a large mixing bowl; mix until light and airy, about 1 minute. This step creates the cake’s rich base.
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Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. You want a smooth and creamy mixture for a lovely texture.
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Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
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Blend in the sour cream until evenly incorporated. This adds moisture and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle sugar on top. This will give your cake a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as you approach the end of baking!
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Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Letting the cake rest improves its texture and flavor.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best French Butter Cake
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Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature, as this helps create a smoother batter and better overall texture.
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Careful Mixing: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this can prevent your French Butter Cake from being light and airy.
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick a few minutes early to prevent overbaking. The cake should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
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Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of citrus zest for exciting flavor depth without complicating the recipe.
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Storing Leftovers: If you have any cake left, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, keeping its tender crumb intact.
What to Serve with French Butter Cake?
A warm slice of this cake is a delightful treat that can be dressed up or enjoyed simply, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries balances the cake’s buttery richness beautifully. Consider a berry compote drizzled over the top for a vibrant touch.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious contrast and enhances the cake’s sweet flavors. The melting ice cream allows each bite to become a delicious blend of textures.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides an elegant finish and offers a perfect contrast to the dense crumb of the cake. Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flair.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling rich chocolate ganache over the cake elevates its richness, perfect for chocolate lovers. It adds a decadent twist that complements the buttery cake perfectly.
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Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea can enhance your dessert experience, cutting through sweetness while bringing warmth and comfort.
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Lemon Drizzle: A light lemon glaze or drizzle can brighten up the flavor profile, adding a refreshing zing that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s richness.
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Caramel Sauce: Warm caramel poured over a slice of cake transforms it into a gourmet treat, enriching its flavors and adding that indulgent touch.
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Cheese Platter: Serve slices with a selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, for an elegant dessert spread that balances sweet and savory notes beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze French Butter Cake
Room Temperature: Store the French Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and retains its delightful texture.
Fridge: If you prefer to extend its delectable life, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Just know that chilling can slightly alter its softness.
Freezer: To preserve the cake for longer periods, freeze it in a tightly wrapped piece of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: For optimal flavor, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These French Butter Cake preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping the ingredients fresh and ready. If you prefer, the baked cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To maintain its luscious texture, just allow the cake to cool completely before covering it. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy or warm it gently in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked flavor. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
French Butter Cake Variations
Customize your baking experience with these delightful twists that elevate the classic French Butter Cake!
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Spicy Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm and inviting spice notes that pair beautifully with the cake’s buttery nature. The warmth of these spices can create a cozy atmosphere.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added texture and a satisfying crunch. You can toast the nuts beforehand to deepen their flavor and aroma.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity burst in every bite. The juicy berries balance the richness of the cake and introduce a refreshing tartness.
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Chocolate Bliss: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks to make a decadent chocolate version. A drizzle of ganache on top takes it over the top for chocolate lovers.
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Zesty Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor boost. The zesty punch complements the cake’s rich taste beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
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Coconut Twist: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair. It adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that transforms the classic cake into something uniquely delicious.
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Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream for a delightful dairy-free option. The flavors remain rich while catering to dietary needs.
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Gluten-Free: Swap cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adding an extra tablespoon to mimic the original cake’s texture. Just keep an eye on your baking time to ensure the best results.
French Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the French Butter Cake?
Using unsalted butter is best as it gives you better control over the salt levels in your cake. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option; just be mindful that it may slightly alter the flavor.
How do I know if my eggs are at room temperature?
To ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the French Butter Cake, simply leave them out on the counter for about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.
How should I store leftover French Butter Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just know that while refrigeration may alter its texture slightly, it will still taste delicious!
Can I freeze French Butter Cake, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze the French Butter Cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, making sure they’re tightly sealed. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for that fresh-baked goodness.
What should I do if my French Butter Cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise, check the freshness of your baking powder; it should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within 6 months for best results. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a dense cake. Just fold until combined for a perfect fluffy texture!
Is there a gluten-free option for the French Butter Cake?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake flour blend to substitute the regular cake flour in the recipe. Be sure to check the package for ratios, as some gluten-free flours behave differently. Also, consider adjusting the baking time slightly as gluten-free batters can take a little longer to set properly.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Butter Cake: Easy Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Combine sugar and melted butter in a large mixing bowl; mix until light and airy, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Blend in the sour cream until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.