Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I lifted the lid off the cake dome, the mouthwatering aroma of buttery goodness filled the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a quaint French patisserie. My heart swells each time I bake this Classic French Butter Cake, a dessert that beautifully balances simplicity and elegance. With its rich flavor and tender crumb, this delightful recipe is incredibly easy to make, ensuring that both novice and seasoned bakers will find success. It’s perfect for any occasion—be it a casual afternoon tea or a celebratory gathering. Plus, who can resist such a universally adored treat? Join me in creating a dessert that promises to charm everyone at the table, and just wait until you see how effortlessly it comes together! What’s your favorite way to enjoy a slice of cake? Why Is French Butter Cake So Irresistible? Simplicity: This recipe is refreshingly straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Rich Flavor: The buttery essence and delicate sweetness create a flavor profile that leaves you wanting more. Versatility: Enjoy it plain or dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that café-style touch. Make-Ahead: It tastes even better the next day, allowing you to prepare it in advance for events or family gatherings. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a casual gathering or a dinner party, this Classic French Butter Cake is a guaranteed hit that’s sure to impress! If you love delightful desserts, don’t miss out on my Peanut Butter Cheesecake or Butterfinger Cheesecake for a treat that’s just as delightful! French Butter Cake Ingredients For the Batter • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cake’s structure. • Large Eggs – Act as a binding agent; ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation. • Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; avoid imitation for a more authentic taste. • All-Purpose Flour – The main structural component that creates the cake’s body. • Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture. • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; reduce if using salted butter. • Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds moisture and richness; choose based on your desired texture. Optional Extras • Lemon Zest – A subtle touch can elevate flavor; consider adding for a zesty twist. • Almond Extract – A lovely alternative to vanilla for an extra layer of flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic French Butter Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin your journey to creating the Classic French Butter Cake by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan, and grease it with butter. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparatory step sets you up for success, allowing your cake to cook evenly and come out effortlessly. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed. Mix for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy, resembling a pale yellow cloud. This crucial step incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your French Butter Cake has a tender crumb. Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, carefully add 3 large eggs to the mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition for about 30 seconds. This helps create an emulsion that enriches the cake’s texture, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality characteristic of a delightful French Butter Cake. Step 4: Add the Vanilla Next, stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, assuring you that this cake will be as delicious as it is fragrant. Allowing the vanilla to blend well enriches the cake’s flavors, creating a nostalgia-infused treat. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step is vital for even distribution of the leavening agent and flavor components. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake. Step 6: Mix in the Milk Pour in ½ cup of whole milk or heavy cream and mix until you achieve a smooth batter. The addition of milk enhances the moisture content, contributing to the cake’s rich texture. Once everything is combined, the batter should be thick yet pourable, looking glossy and inviting. Step 7: Transfer to the Pan Now, carefully transfer your luscious batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, making sure it’s level. This helps ensure your Classic French Butter Cake bakes uniformly and rises beautifully, creating that signature golden crust everyone loves. Step 8: Bake to Perfection Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake’s edges will be lightly golden, and it will spring back when gently touched, signaling that it’s ready to come out. Step 9: Cool in the Pan Once baked, allow your French Butter Cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps it set and prevents breaking during removal. Use a knife around the edges to loosen it, then flip it onto a wire rack, letting it cool completely before serving. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy Finally, dust your Classic French Butter Cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or serve it plain to highlight its buttery goodness. Pair it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Either way, this delightful dessert is destined to impress everyone at your table! Expert Tips for French Butter Cake • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and a tender French Butter Cake. • Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. • Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the full baking time. Every oven is different, and overbaking can lead to dryness. • Parchment Paper is Key: Always line your cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy removal, leaving your French Butter Cake intact. • Flavor Variations: For a twist, consider incorporating a bit of lemon zest or almond extract into your batter for added depth and complexity of flavor. What to Serve with Classic French Butter Cake Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as you serve up exquisite slices of cake that beckon to be enjoyed with delightful pairings. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it complements the cake’s richness wonderfully, adding a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of color and bright acidity, balancing the cake’s buttery flavor beautifully. Café au Lait: The combination of strong coffee and steamed milk offers a cozy contrast, making for the perfect afternoon treat experience. Lemon Curd: A tangy splash enhances the cake’s sweetness, creating a delightful burst of citrus that livens up each bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight becomes an indulgent partner, allowing flavors to meld together for a blissful dessert moment. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle a rich, warm sauce on your slice for a luscious chocolatey twist that elevates the cake’s elegance to new heights. Almonds or Pecans: Toasted nuts add a crunchy texture contrast, offering a nutty taste that pairs harmoniously with the cake’s buttery notes. Crème Fraîche: A dollop of this tangy, thick cream creates a sophisticated touch, enhancing flavor while lending a velvety texture to every forkful. Powdered Sugar Dusting: A simple touch adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making the cake look as appealing as it tastes. 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. This keeps it moist and preserves its lovely buttery flavor. Fridge: If you wish to keep the cake fresh for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Freezer: The French Butter Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then seal it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy leftover cake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its freshness. Make Ahead Options These Classic French Butter Cakes are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you prefer, bake the cake and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious the next day! When you’re ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar or warm it gently in the oven for that freshly baked aroma. This makes for an effortlessly elegant dessert that everyone will appreciate! French Butter Cake: Endless Personalization Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delightful cake to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version; just be aware the texture might differ slightly. Zesty Variation: Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with the butter flavor. Almond Extract: Swap out vanilla for almond extract to infuse a wonderful nuttiness into the cake’s flavor. Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips for decadent bursts of chocolate in each slice, making this cake even more indulgent! Nutty Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to add delightful crunch and flavor texture. Creamy Topping: Serve with a dollop of fresh crème fraîche for an elegant touch; it enhances the richness and balances the sweetness. Spiced Up: Stir in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that makes this cake perfect for cozy gatherings. Fruity Twist: Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of sugar for a refreshing contrast against the buttery sweetness. Feel free to create a beautiful dessert that caters to your cravings! If you’re after something a bit different, consider checking out my lovely Biscoff Cookie Butter Cinnamon Rolls for another sweet adventure. French Butter Cake Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting butter for this recipe? When choosing unsalted butter for the French Butter Cake, go for fresh, high-quality butter. Look for a creamy texture and a rich yellow color, signifying good quality. Avoid butter with any dark spots or an off smell, as these can indicate spoilage. How can I store leftover French Butter Cake? To keep your French Butter Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to a week. Always allow it to come to room temperature before serving to really enhance that buttery flavor! Can I freeze my French Butter Cake? Absolutely! To freeze your cake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. For that freshly baked flavor, warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. What if my cake is too dry after baking? If you find that your French Butter Cake is on the dry side, it may have been overbaked or your oven temperature may have been too high. To fix this in the future, make sure to check the cake a few minutes sooner than the suggested baking time and use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. If you want to salvage a dry cake, consider serving it with whipped cream or a berry compote, which can add moisture and flavor. Are there any dietary considerations for this cake? The French Butter Cake contains eggs and dairy, making it unsuitable for vegans, and it may not be appropriate for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that substitutions can impact texture and flavor, so adjustments may be needed for the best results. What can I add to enhance the flavor of my French Butter Cake? For a delightful twist, consider incorporating lemon zest or almond extract into your batter. Adding 1-2 teaspoons of zest or extract can elevate the flavor profile and add a beautiful aromatic quality to your cake. If you enjoy a bit of texture, folding in some finely chopped nuts could also provide a wonderful contrast to the buttery crumb. French Butter Cake: Simple Elegance for Every Occasion This Classic French Butter Cake combines rich flavor and tender crumb for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: FrenchCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter1 cup unsalted butter softened1 cup granulated sugar3 large eggs room temperature2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder0.5 teaspoon salt0.5 cup whole milk or heavy creamOptional Extras1 tablespoon lemon zest for a zesty twist1 teaspoon almond extract to enhance flavor Equipment 9-inch Round Cake PanElectric mixerMixing bowlsWhiskSpatulaToothpickWire Rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic French Butter CakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and parchment paper.Cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create an emulsion.Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet ingredients until just incorporated.Mix in the milk or heavy cream until you achieve a smooth batter.Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain with berries or whipped cream. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This cake tastes even better the next day and can be customized with lemon zest or almond extract for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
