Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the first bite of a tender, golden slice from this Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and an irresistible buttery aroma, it’s the kind of treat you want to share over coffee, gift to a friend, or quietly savor on a rainy afternoon. This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, using just a handful of pantry staples to deliver all the richness and decadent flavor you’d expect from a true classic. If you’ve been searching for a cake that’s as easy to love as it is to make, consider this your new go-to for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While French Butter Cake might look fancy, its beauty lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one has a starring role—from lending creaminess and lift to giving our cake that perfectly golden color. Selecting high-quality basics will help you achieve truly bakery-worthy results.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The heart of this cake, fresh unsalted butter provides unbeatable richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Ensures a perfectly sweet crumb and encourages beautiful browning on top.
• Large Eggs (4, room temperature): Add structure and moisture, helping the cake rise and stay tender.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Use pure rather than imitation—its aroma and warmth lift every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Lends just the right amount of structure without making the cake heavy or dense.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides gentle lift, keeping the crumb soft and light.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and rounds out all the other flavors beautifully.
• Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra moisture and richness, creating a luxurious crumb.

How to Make Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan (springform is ideal for easy removal, but a classic round pan is just fine) and line the bottom with parchment paper. This simple setup guarantees your finished cake will release beautifully, with crisp edges and a flawless base.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and sugar into your largest mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat them together for a good 3 to 5 minutes. You want to see a light, creamy mixture—this step is crucial, as it creates tiny air pockets that give your Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe its delicate lift and ultra-tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, One by One

With the mixer running on medium-low, add the eggs one at a time, beating each in thoroughly before adding the next. This gradual addition helps the batter stay silky and stable, while also ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated for a luscious final texture.

Step 4: Stir in Pure Vanilla Extract

Pour in the vanilla and mix just until blended. The aroma will instantly transport you to a cozy French bakery, and this simple addition is what transforms the base into the signature flavor of a Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step prevents any clumps and ensures all your leavening agents are evenly distributed—key for a uniform rise with no pockets of baking powder or flour.

Step 6: Bring the Batter Together

On low speed (or using a spatula if you’re being gentle), add the dry mixture to the wet in two or three portions. Alternate with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until everything is just combined—overmixing at this stage can make the cake tough.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake on the middle rack for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden, your kitchen smells truly heavenly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few tiny crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake sit in its pan for 10 to 15 minutes before running a knife around the edge and gently turning it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely. Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch that elevates the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe even further.

How to Serve Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is a stunner all on its own, but a fine dusting of powdered sugar on top is the classic finishing touch—simple, sweet, and oh-so-French. You could also add a few fresh berries or a dollop of softly whipped cream for extra freshness and color.

Side Dishes

The gentle, buttery flavor of this cake pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee, a pot of black tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread, try fresh fruit salad or a compote of berries for a lovely balance of richness and tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the cake and layer with fresh strawberries and pastry cream parfait-style, or serve as petite squares for a tea party. You can even stack two cakes with a thin swirl of raspberry jam between for a festive layered dessert—no matter how you serve it, the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe always feels a little bit special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, making it ideal for baking ahead of time or enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe for later, wrap it securely (either whole or in slices) in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying again. The texture remains beautifully tender, even after freezing.

Reheating

To refresh slices, warm them briefly in a low oven (about 275°F) for 6 to 8 minutes, or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until just warmed through. This revives the buttery aroma and makes the crumb taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter if that’s all I have?

Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors. It will still produce a rich, delicious cake with the classic taste of the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe.

Can I add lemon zest or almond extract for variation?

Absolutely! Although the base recipe is all about butter, feel free to add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to customize the flavor to your liking—you’ll get a delightful twist while staying true to the spirit of this French classic.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

No worries! A standard 9-inch round or even an 8-inch square cake pan will work well. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment for easy removal, and check for doneness a few minutes early as different pans can affect baking times.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Look for a deeply golden top and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should spring back lightly when pressed. Overbaking can dry the cake, so keep a close eye in the final minutes.

Is it better served warm, room temperature, or chilled?

This cake is absolutely wonderful at room temperature, which lets the buttery flavor shine. That said, it’s also lovely gently warmed or even slightly chilled for a firmer texture, so feel free to experiment to find your own perfect way to enjoy the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you love simple, nostalgic bakes that never fail to impress, the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe deserves a spot in your repertoire. Its rich flavor and comfortingly tender crumb are impossible to resist—so don’t wait for a special occasion to bake this gem. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a slice of pure, buttery bliss.

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