Name: French Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’ve been searching for a treat that radiates French bakery charm with bakery-level buttery bliss, this French Butter Cake is about to become your new go-to indulgence. With its golden, gently crisp crust and a lush, almost melt-in-your-mouth center, every bite feels like a special occasion. The recipe is delightfully approachable, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned enthusiasts eager for a foolproof, decadent cake bursting with rich, simple flavors. Whether you serve it for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert, French Butter Cake promises to leave a lasting impression.

French Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about French Butter Cake is how such a short list of pantry staples can transform into something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient brings a little something essential, from deep flavor to wonderful texture and a sunshiny golden color.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g): The hero of this cake, lending richness and a tender, velvety crumb.
Granulated sugar (1¼ cups / 250g): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Add structure and richness, making the cake moist and luxurious.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic depth—pure comfort!
All-purpose flour (1½ cups / 190g): Forms the cake’s delicate base, ensuring a perfect, tender crumb.
Baking powder (½ tsp): A little lift goes a long way to make the cake beautifully light (but still satisfyingly dense).
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all those gorgeous flavors.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A simple shower on top adds elegance and the perfect sweet finish.

How to Make French Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little moment of anticipation helps set the stage for baking success. Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy unmolding. A well-prepped pan ensures your French Butter Cake releases in one beautiful piece, ready for its grand entrance.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This process creates those tiny air pockets that make the cake so light, while also infusing the batter with flavor at every turn.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition so the mixture stays luscious and smooth. Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the creamed butter, helping your cake batter stay airy and full-bodied. Now stir in the vanilla extract, swirling in that signature French aroma.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This fluffing step ensures the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, which translates to even rising and balanced flavor in your French Butter Cake.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly okay. This gentle approach ensures the signature tender crumb and keeps the cake beautifully dense, never tough.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the glorious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let the cake rest in its pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing flourish.

How to Serve French Butter Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is the classic touch—it turns every slice of French Butter Cake into something celebratory. If you want to dress it up further, scatter on a few toasted almond slivers, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a handful of fresh berries for bright, sweet contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. For a real continental vibe, serve it alongside a pot of strong coffee or a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea. Fresh seasonal fruit—think berries, stone fruits, or poached pears—can add a lovely fresh note to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming rustic look, serve slices straight from the pan, warm and golden. Hosting a brunch? Cut the French Butter Cake into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto skewers with strawberries for mini cake kabobs. Or, slice horizontally and fill with a very thin layer of lemon curd or raspberry jam for a “petit gâteau” worthy of a Parisian patisserie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Butter Cake stays delicious for days! Keep any leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, popping the cake in the fridge will keep it fresh and prevent the butter from melting.

Freezing

For longer storage, French Butter Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap uncut portions well in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Want your cake to have that “just-baked” warmth? Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop a whole (unsliced) cake into a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the buttery aroma and returns a little of that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute salted butter if I don’t have unsalted?

Absolutely! If salted butter is all you have, just omit the added salt from the recipe. The result will still be irresistibly rich and flavorful.

Is French Butter Cake the same as gâteau Breton?

While French Butter Cake takes plenty of inspiration from the classic gâteau Breton of Brittany, it’s a wonderfully accessible take for home bakers. The textures and flavors are similar, with a dense, buttery crumb and simplicity at its core.

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

Look for a deeply golden top and use the toothpick test—if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), you’re good to go. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Can I add extra flavors, like rum or almond extract?

Yes! A splash of dark rum or a few drops of almond extract can add delicious dimension and an authentic regional twist. Start small—a teaspoon is plenty.

What should I do if my cake sticks to the pan?

Careful prepping is key, but if your cake does stick, gently loosen the edges with a butter knife. If all else fails, turn the slightly warm pan upside down and tap gently; sometimes gravity (and patience) is your best friend.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple yet stunning, French Butter Cake is sure to win your heart just as it has mine. It’s the kind of cake that feels both homey and a little bit special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Pour a cup of coffee, slice in, and celebrate those everyday moments with a taste of France—bon appétit!

French Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, dense goodness of French Butter Cake, a classic dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. This simple tea cake is a delightful treat that you can enhance with a hint of rum or almond extract for a traditional touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.