If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, buttery dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, your search ends right here. This French Butter Cake Recipe is a total gem with its tender crumb and rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re popping it out for a casual coffee break, a festive dessert table, or just whenever your sweet tooth calls, this cake hits all the right notes. Simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, from the luscious butter lending richness to the cake flour making sure the crumb stays light and tender. These straightforward ingredients combine into pure magic, so gathering them is the first step towards deliciousness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps create a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks): Melted butter infuses the cake with rich flavor and a moist crumb.
- Eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and a velvety texture; room temperature eggs blend better.
- Vanilla extract (2 ½ teaspoons): Enhances flavor with a warm, floral note that complements the buttery base.
- Cake flour (2 cups): Ensures a soft, tender crumb that melts on your tongue.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cake its lovely lift and lightness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sour cream (⅔ cup): Adds subtle tang and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, for topping): Creates a slightly crunchy, sweet crust that’s absolutely delightful.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking—setting a strong foundation for success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar with melted butter and whip them together for about a minute until the mixture turns light and airy. This process introduces air, helping the cake develop a soft and tender crumb.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. This gradual mixing not only creates a smooth batter but also ensures your cake’s flavor is rich and well-rounded.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can toughen the cake, so gentle folds are key.
Step 5: Fold in the Sour Cream
Gently fold sour cream into the batter. This delicious addition lends moisture and a hint of tang, making the cake irresistibly soft and perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the extra sugar. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden and the top has a slight sparkle from the sugar crust.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This short wait lets it set just enough to hold its shape beautifully without losing that tender crumb we love.
How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake shines on its own, adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of glaze can elevate its look and sweetness just a touch. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint also add visual appeal and a fresh burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of crème fraîche, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of fruit compote. These sides complement the cake’s rich butteriness and make every bite feel like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into neat squares or elegant wedges and serve on delicate china plates for a classic French vibe. Want a modern twist? Stack slices with alternating layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit for an impromptu trifle that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover French Butter Cake Recipe fresh by storing it at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week to maintain moistness and flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. The warmth really revives that irresistible buttery softness.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
While you can substitute all-purpose flour, your cake’s texture may turn out a bit denser. Cake flour’s lower protein content is key to that tender crumb in this French Butter Cake Recipe.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
You can try swapping butter with vegan butter and sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, but the cake’s signature richness might be slightly different.
What can I add to customize the flavor?
Try folding in berries, a pinch of cinnamon, or a splash of almond extract for delightful variations that add new dimensions to the classic French Butter Cake Recipe.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. The top should also have a golden hue and a slight sugar crust.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger cake?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness regularly. Doubling the recipe is perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This French Butter Cake Recipe is a little treasure that deserves a place in your baking repertoire. It’s straightforward, indulgent, and perfect for sharing with loved ones over coffee or a cozy chat. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming your new favorite go-to dessert that always impresses!
PrintFrench Butter Cake Recipe
This French Butter Cake recipe is a rich, buttery dessert with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Quick, easy, and made with pantry staples, it’s the perfect treat for coffee breaks, dessert tables, or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with melted butter. Mix for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and airy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and smoothness. Then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and distribute leavening evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and preserving its tender texture.
- Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in ⅔ cup of sour cream to add moisture and richness, blending carefully to maintain the batter’s fluffiness.
- Pour and Top Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on top to create a sweet, slightly crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow it to set and enhance the buttery flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, fold in berries or a pinch of cinnamon into the batter before baking.
- Top with powdered sugar or a light glaze for a pretty and sweet finish.
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or oven to refresh the texture before serving.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness.