The aroma of freshly baked French Butter Cake wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in its golden, buttery goodness. Each slice promises a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, leaving you longing for just one more piece.

This delicious French Butter Cake embodies the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Trust me, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that will elevate any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This French Butter Cake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The rich flavor profile combines sweet and buttery notes that delight your taste buds
- Its beautiful golden color makes it visually appealing and perfect for special gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve plain or with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients for French Butter Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the richness of the butter and helps create a lovely texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and stability; sift it for a lighter texture.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, helping the cake rise and become light and airy.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help achieve a fluffy batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Prepare Your Equipment
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper so your cake can come out easily.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Incorporate each egg fully before adding another. Then stir in your glorious splash of vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift Together Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the flour so our cake achieves that airy texture we all love.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. You want a smooth batter that brings joyful anticipation!
Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this is when you know it’s ready!
Cool Down Time!
Once baked, remove your French Butter Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist nibbling on it beforehand!
Enjoy this delightful treat plain or doused with powdered sugar or fresh fruit compote! Whether it’s served at family gatherings or just as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, this French Butter Cake will surely bring smiles all around!
You Must Know
- This delightful French Butter Cake Recipe offers a buttery texture and rich flavor that will have your friends begging for seconds
- It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy gathering
- Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pan. Mix the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Fold in the flour gently, pour into the pan, and bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this French Butter Cake Recipe by adding lemon zest for a citrus twist or chocolate chips for an indulgent surprise. You can also swap out vanilla extract with almond extract to change up the flavor profile!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious either way!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor that makes this cake irresistible
- Let your eggs reach room temperature before mixing for better incorporation
- Don’t overmix; gentle folding keeps your cake light and airy
Sometimes, I find myself sneaking a slice of this cake in the middle of the night—no regrets! My family still talks about that surprise birthday party where this cake stole the show.
FAQs :
What is a French Butter Cake Recipe?
A French Butter Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that features rich, buttery flavors, often enhanced with vanilla or citrus zest. This cake is known for its moist texture and simple preparation, making it a favorite among home bakers. Classic French butter cakes are typically made using high-quality ingredients like unsalted butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. The result is a light yet indulgent treat perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.
How do I store leftovers from the French Butter Cake Recipe?
To maintain freshness, store any leftover French butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze individual slices. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy the cake’s original texture and flavor.
Can I customize the French Butter Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of a French butter cake lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding flavors like almond extract, lemon zest, or even chocolate chips. To elevate the cake further, consider incorporating seasonal fruits like berries or peaches as toppings or fillings. These modifications allow you to create a unique version of this classic dessert that suits your palate perfectly.
What makes this French Butter Cake Recipe different from other cakes?
This French Butter Cake recipe stands out due to its rich buttery flavor and tender crumb achieved through creaming cold butter and sugar together effectively. Unlike lighter sponge cakes that may rely on whipped egg whites for structure, this recipe focuses on the richness of butter, giving it a dense yet airy quality. The use of high-quality ingredients also enhances its overall taste, setting it apart from typical cakes.
Conclusion for French Butter Cake Recipe :
In summary, the French butter cake recipe offers a simple yet luxurious dessert experience that anyone can replicate at home. Using quality ingredients ensures maximum flavor while allowing for personal customization through various add-ins. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting and fruit, this cake remains versatile and appealing. Try this delightful recipe today and savor each moist bite—it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

French Butter Cake
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful richness of French Butter Cake, a simple yet luxurious dessert that will elevate any occasion. With its golden crust and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Made with just a handful of quality ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with powdered sugar or fresh fruit compote. Each slice promises buttery goodness that melts in your mouth, making it a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg