Delicious French Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

French Butter Cake is a tender, buttery dessert that melts in your mouth. With simple ingredients and a rich, moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk or cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly and the cake rises well.
• Try topping with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish.

Storage

Store the French Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices briefly in a microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.

What is the best way to soften butter?

Leave the butter out at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until it feels soft but not melted. You can also cut it into small cubes to speed up the process.

Delicious French Butter Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 78 reviews

French Butter Cake is a rich and buttery cake that features a tender crumb enhanced by the creamy flavor of butter, balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the subtle touch of vanilla. This classic dessert combines simple ingredients to create a moist, fluffy cake perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter Mixture

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Eggs

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid

• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Allow the butter and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and to prevent lumps.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk or heavy cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until incorporated to keep the batter light and airy.
6. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon for uniform baking.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth batter and lighter texture.
• Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
• The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• For a different flavor, try adding lemon zest or almond extract instead of vanilla.

Keywords: French butter cake, classic butter cake, vanilla cake, moist cake, easy dessert