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French Butter Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 31 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and distribute leavening evenly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  9. 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.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/french-butter-cake-recipe/