French Butter Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that melts in your mouth with rich, buttery goodness—one that’s delightfully tender and perfectly sweet—then this French Butter Cake Recipe is just what your inner baker needs. It’s a beloved treat that walks the line between simplicity and sheer decadence, ideal for impressing your guests or savoring a quiet afternoon treat. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a newcomer to the kitchen, you’ll fall in love with every soft, golden bite. The crumb is lush and velvety, the aroma intoxicating, and the sugar-topped crust adds that irresistible crunch. Trust me, once you try this French Butter Cake Recipe, it will find a permanent place in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this French Butter Cake Recipe lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that come together in truly wonderful ways. Each has its own special purpose—be it richness, lift, or flavor—so gather these with care and you’ll taste the difference in every slice.

• Granulated Sugar: The perfect backbone for sweetness and the crisp, caramelized top, so don’t skimp here!
• Unsalted Butter (melted): The star of the show, this gives the cake its signature flavor and melt-in-your-mouth crumb—make sure it’s high-quality!
• Eggs (room temperature): Room temperature eggs bind everything while adding a lovely richness and lift to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: This adds warm, floral notes that round out and elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Cake Flour: Cake flour ensures the soft, tender crumb that makes this cake so special; it’s worth using over all-purpose for extra lightness.
• Baking Powder: Just the right amount helps the cake rise, giving you that beautiful, even texture.
• Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the nuanced flavors.
• Sour Cream: This makes the cake exceptionally moist and gives it a subtle tang—don’t substitute for best results.
• Granulated Sugar (for topping): Sprinkling this sugar over the batter creates the crackly, caramelized crown that’s so satisfying.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

First things first, get your oven heating up to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with either butter or nonstick spray. A properly prepped pan is key for ensuring every gorgeous slice of this French Butter Cake Recipe comes out intact and just as beautiful as you hoped.

Step 2: Whip Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine your granulated sugar and melted butter. Give them a good one-minute mix until the mixture looks light and slightly airy. This step creates the base for that luxurious crumb and makes sure every inch of your cake is rich with flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps maintain a smooth, glossy batter and ensures the cake rises evenly. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla extract, and mix until everything is fully combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only removes lumps but also helps the cake bake up fluffy. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet batter, stirring just until you don’t see streaks of flour anymore. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to a tender cake.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

Now, gently fold in the sour cream. This ingredient is the secret weapon for moisture and adding a subtle tang, which beautifully balances the butter’s richness. Use a spatula and a light hand to keep everything airy.

Step 6: Pan, Sprinkle, and Smooth

Pour your finished batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly across the batter. This creates that signature crackly, sweet crust once baked—one of the highlights of this French Butter Cake Recipe!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay), you know it’s ready. The aroma will tell you before the timer does!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the cake cool slightly in the pan. It will firm up a bit, making slicing a breeze and ensuring every piece holds together beautifully. Serve warm or at room temperature, and prepare yourself for compliments!

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

While this French Butter Cake Recipe is stunning on its own, a little garnish can take it over the top! Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and tang, or a dollop of softly whipped cream on each slice. For a touch of sophistication, a few edible flowers will make your cake the star of any table.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to highlight its buttery warmth, or pair with tangy crème fraîche for a delightful contrast. Fresh fruit compote—think strawberries or raspberries—adds a juicy brightness that cuts through the richness and completes the French dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this classic into mini French Butter Cakes by using muffin tins—perfect for parties or afternoon teas! You can also cut the cake into elegant bars and serve on a tiered platter for a festive display. For truly special occasions, layer with lemon curd or raspberry preserves between two thin cake layers for a decadent twist on the French Butter Cake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, let your French Butter Cake Recipe cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 3 days—if it manages to last that long!

Freezing

Want to enjoy this cake later? Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (once fully cooled) in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Pop them in the freezer, and your French Butter Cake Recipe will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. You’ll revive its beautiful texture and aroma in no time.

FAQs

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

You can use all-purpose flour, but cake flour really makes this recipe unique by giving it a finer, softer crumb. If all you have is all-purpose, try removing 2 tablespoons from each cup and replacing with cornstarch for a closer match.

What makes this French Butter Cake Recipe different from pound cake?

While both cakes are delightfully rich, the French Butter Cake Recipe features a lighter, airier texture thanks to sour cream and baking powder, and that crackly sugar crust offers a crave-worthy finish you won’t find in traditional pound cake.

How do I tell when the cake is done baking?

Start checking around the 30-minute mark—a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be gently golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Lemon zest, almond extract, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips can bring a fun twist to your French Butter Cake Recipe without compromising its classic charm.

Is this cake good for special occasions?

It’s a fabulous choice for birthdays, brunches, or any celebration. Its elegant simplicity and universally loved flavors mean it’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks stunning on any dessert table.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to enjoy this French Butter Cake Recipe as much as I do—it’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with joy and guarantees smiles at every table. Whether you serve it plain, dressed up, or with a creative twist, you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a new favorite!

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