French Butter Cake Recipe

Moist, buttery, and timelessly luxurious, this French Butter Cake Recipe is a treasure for any baker, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your cake repertoire. Imagine golden, tender crumb with a delicate sugar crust, each forkful melting into your taste buds with just the right balance of sweet and rich. The ingredients are fuss-free and the steps are approachable, making this a go-to treat for every occasion. Whether shared with friends over coffee or kept all to yourself for moments of sweet indulgence, this cake has a way of turning an ordinary day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this French Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—the combination of a few classic ingredients leads to a cake that’s incredibly flavorful and beautifully textured. Each item not only does its part but also lets the others shine, making the finished cake so much greater than the sum of its parts.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and forms that irresistible delicate crust on top.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the crumb richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—choose the best butter you can for dreamy flavor.
• Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and keep the cake tender and light.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts aroma and depth, making the buttery notes even more enticing.
• Cake flour: Results in a soft, fine-crumbed structure that’s signature to a French Butter Cake Recipe.
• Baking powder: Ensures gentle lift as the cake bakes, so your cake doesn’t feel heavy.
• Salt: Rounds out and heightens the cake’s sweetness.
• Sour cream: Adds both moisture and a faint tang, balancing richness with subtle brightness.
• Granulated sugar (for topping): Creates a gorgeous, crackly sugar crust that everyone will fight over.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This means your cake won’t stick and you’ll get a beautifully browned edge all around, just like any true French Butter Cake Recipe deserves.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Sugar Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Whisk these together for about a minute so the sugar begins to dissolve, and the mixture turns light and almost creamy. This step builds the foundation for that incredible tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla for Structure and Flavor

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure the batter stays silky and cohesive. Pour in the vanilla extract, stirring to fully blend it in. These steps give your cake body, plus the inviting aroma only a French Butter Cake Recipe can have.

Step 4: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is totally worth it because it ensures everything mixes evenly, so you get a consistent rise and absolutely zero lumps in your cake.

Step 5: Bring the Batter Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently and only until just combined—resist the urge to overmix. A few streaks of flour are fine! The result is a delicate texture that makes this French Butter Cake Recipe so memorable.

Step 6: Fold in the Sour Cream

Fold the sour cream in gently by hand. This extra step ensures your cake bakes up extra moist, never dry or crumbly, with a lovely, subtle tang that keeps every bite interesting.

Step 7: Top, Bake, and Finish

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over everything for a crackly, sparkling finish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Let your French Butter Cake cool slightly before slicing for the perfect texture.

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A classic French Butter Cake Recipe truly shines with simple toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a scatter of fresh berries brings color and an appealing contrast in flavor. For something wonderfully French, try a spoonful of lemon curd or raspberry preserves alongside each slice.

Side Dishes

Keep things elegant with a fresh fruit compote or sliced peaches in syrup. For a coffee break treat, serve your French Butter Cake with a dark roast coffee or a mild black tea—the buttery cake pairs beautifully with either. If you’re feeling extra fancy, even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream will do the trick.

Creative Ways to Present

For your next brunch or gathering, cut the cake into petite squares and serve on a tiered stand for an afternoon tea, or present generous slices on vintage china with edible flowers for that classic Parisian feel. You can even turn leftovers into decadent day-after trifles, layering cubes of cake with berries and whipped cream in individual glasses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, keep any leftover French Butter Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to three days. The sugar topping helps lock in moisture, ensuring each bite stays as luscious as the day it was baked. For longer storage, move the cake to an airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing

This French Butter Cake Recipe freezes beautifully! Simply wrap slices or the whole (cooled) cake in a double layer of plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked warmth and aroma, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven (about 300°F) will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven appeal without drying out your cake.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! All-purpose flour can step in if you don’t have cake flour, but the resulting texture will be slightly denser. For a similar tenderness, you can remove two tablespoons of flour from each cup and replace them with cornstarch before sifting.

How do I know when the French Butter Cake Recipe is done baking?

The magic moment is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—or completely clean, if you prefer a firmer cake. The top should be golden, and the sugar crust will look beautifully crackled.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Try stirring in the zest of a lemon or orange for a citrusy note, a handful of fresh berries for a tender, fruity twist, or even a few slivered almonds on top for crunch. Let your French Butter Cake Recipe reflect your personal taste.

Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for parties?

Yes! You can bake this cake a day ahead—just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly. In fact, the flavor deepens over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

What’s the best way to slice and serve the cake?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, beautiful pieces. Serve slightly warm for maximum melt-in-your-mouth impact, or at room temperature for a classic French café experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give this French Butter Cake Recipe a try. With its unbeatable combo of simple ingredients, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and endlessly adaptable flavor, it’s destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen too. Here’s to sweet moments and sharing something special!

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