Why Make This Recipe

This French Butter Cake is a classic that never goes out of style. Its rich buttery flavor and soft texture make it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply want a sweet treat, this cake is perfect. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, even for beginners!

How to Make French Butter Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat for about 3–5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps maintain the emulsion and builds structure in the batter.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
6. Pour in the milk and mix until smooth. Do not overbeat—the goal is to create a tender batter without tough gluten development.
7. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar, or serve plain for the full flavor experience.

How to Serve French Butter Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also elevate its simplicity. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings.

How to Store French Butter Cake

To keep your cake fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make French Butter Cake

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
• Measure your flour properly; too much flour can make the cake dense.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the milk; gentle mixing will result in a lighter cake.
• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding lemon or almond extract along with the vanilla.

Variation

You can customize this French Butter Cake by adding different flavors or mix-ins. Chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest can add a delightful twist. If you want to make it more indulgent, try layering it with frosting or a fruit filling.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but it may alter the taste slightly. If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the additional salt in the recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stores well, allowing you to bake it a day or two in advance of your event.

Can I replace all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
For best results, stick to all-purpose flour. However, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, or gluten-free flour as a substitute, but the outcome may vary.

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French Butter Cake

A classic French butter cake with a rich buttery flavor and soft texture, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine French

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 cup 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
• 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour Measure properly to avoid a dense cake.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting this.
• 0.5 cup 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream Do not overmix after adding.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just incorporated.
• Pour in the milk and mix until smooth, but do not overbeat.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking

• Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

• Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Keyword butter cake, CAKE, DESSERT, Easy Cake Recipe, French Butter Cake