If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery cakes that feel like a warm embrace, then you are going to adore this French Butter Cake Recipe. With its tender crumb and subtle hints of vanilla and lemon zest, this cake embodies the elegance of French baking without any fuss. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness that makes it an unforgettable treat, whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving a classic dessert to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of this French Butter Cake Recipe lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays a vital role, from creating that tender crumb to imparting the lovely golden hue and signature buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup softened: The star ingredient that provides richness and a moist, tender texture to the cake.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cake’s lightness when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs, 4 at room temperature: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The backbone of your cake, giving it that perfect balance of density and fluff.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Gives the cake a gentle lift and airiness.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Milk, 2 tablespoons: Moisturizes and softens the batter for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Lemon zest of 1 lemon (optional): Adds a fresh, classic French twist that brightens the flavor without overpowering.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A delicate finishing touch that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out flawlessly. This small prep step is crucial for easy removal and a perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these together helps to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning so your cake bakes uniformly with a lovely rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This method traps air into the batter, which is essential for achieving a tender crumb in the French Butter Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one by one to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. The eggs enhance the cake’s richness and help emulsify the batter, making it smooth and cohesive.
Step 5: Flavor the Batter
Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest if you are using it. These components add that unmistakable classic French flavor that’s both cozy and elegant, making every forkful a joy.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients in two parts to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently each time, just until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and soft.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a beautiful golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is lovely, but why stop there? Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a natural tartness to balance the cake’s richness, while a dollop of lightly whipped cream adds an ethereal lightness that takes each bite to new heights.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a delicate tea. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside a fruit compote or a small bowl of crème fraîche to complement the buttery texture and deep vanilla notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the cake into small squares for a stylish dessert platter, perfect for gatherings. Or turn it into a layered cake by splitting it horizontally and filling with lemon curd or mousse for an extra special occasion that still celebrates the original simplicity of the French Butter Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead dessert planning.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake well in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French Butter Cake Recipe can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This revives the luscious texture without drying it out.
FAQs
What makes this French Butter Cake different from other butter cakes?
This French Butter Cake Recipe is inspired by the classic gâteau Breton, known for its rich, dense, and buttery crumb. Unlike lighter butter cakes, this one delivers a satisfyingly rich texture and subtle flavors highlighted by vanilla and optional lemon zest.
Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond extract is a traditional addition that adds lovely depth and a nutty aroma. Just replace the vanilla with the same amount of almond extract or even blend the two for a unique twist.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs and butter?
Yes, using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps the ingredients blend more easily, creating a smooth, airy batter that bakes into a tender cake.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
You can experiment by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain structure, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
How long does the cake keep fresh if not frozen?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the cake will stay moist and fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze to maintain its delightful texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about making and sharing this French Butter Cake Recipe. It’s a humble yet luxurious dessert that feels fancy without the fuss, perfect for any time you want to impress or simply treat yourself. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire that friends and family can’t stop talking about!
Print
French Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French Butter Cake, known for its dense and buttery texture reminiscent of a gâteau Breton. This cake features a rich blend of butter, sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, creating a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined for a consistent rise and balanced flavor.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create the cake’s tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully combine and add structure to the batter.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) to infuse the batter with aromatic and fresh citrus notes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk, mixing gently just until smooth to avoid overworking the batter which can make the cake dense.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy as is, or with berries and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- This cake is similar to a gâteau Breton with its dense, buttery texture.
- For a more traditional French flavor, add a tablespoon of rum or almond extract to the batter.
- Serve the cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or alongside your favorite coffee for an enhanced experience.
