French Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who swoons over rich, buttery cakes with a delicate crumb, stop everything and try this French Butter Cake Recipe. It’s supremely soft, deliciously simple, and ready in under an hour using pantry staples you probably have on hand. Whether you bake it for an elegant brunch, a cozy afternoon coffee break, or simply to treat yourself, this cake’s melt-in-the-mouth texture and golden top make it an instant classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this gorgeous cake—just a handful of classic ingredients, each playing an essential role in flavor, structure, and the irresistible color of the final bake. Each one brings its own magic to the French Butter Cake Recipe!

• Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps the cake develop a perfectly crisp, golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter makes for a rich, luxurious crumb you’ll notice in every bite.
• Eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s light, airy texture—room temp makes them blend in easily.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla gives the cake warm, cozy notes that shine through each mouthful.
• Cake flour: Keeps the crumb extra-tender and delicate, much softer than using all-purpose flour.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy, preventing a dense texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor—never skip it!
• Sour cream: Infuses moisture and a gentle tang that offsets the buttery richness, giving a luscious crumb.
• Extra granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkling this creates a subtly crisp, sparkly finish on top for extra appeal.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously—this guarantees your French Butter Cake Recipe will lift out easily and keeps the edges beautifully golden.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

Combine the granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a good old whisk, beat together for about a minute. You’ll see the mixture turn lighter and a bit fluffy—this step is where the cake gets its tender crumb and luxurious mouthfeel.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Follow with the vanilla extract. This ensures a silky-smooth batter and infuses the French Butter Cake Recipe with its signature cozy, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined; don’t overmix, as this keeps your cake tender and light without being tough.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

With a spatula, gently fold in the sour cream. This rich ingredient adds moisture and the faintest tang, balancing out the sweet butteriness of the cake. Your batter should feel smooth and luscious at this stage.

Step 6: Pour and Sprinkle

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, using the spatula to even out the top. Sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of sugar evenly across the surface—this is the secret to a beautiful, gently crackled crust on your French Butter Cake Recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish onto the center oven rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool slightly before slicing—this helps you get the sharpest, prettiest slices.

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all this French Butter Cake Recipe needs to look beautiful, but you can also drizzle a light glaze or scatter a handful of fresh berries on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of softly whipped cream is pure heaven alongside a warm slice.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or black tea. For a more indulgent dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or tangy crème fraîche. If you’re hosting brunch, fresh seasonal fruit on the side brings a lovely, juicy contrast to the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into neat squares for classic snacking, or use a round cookie cutter for bite-size circles perfect for a high tea spread. For celebration-worthy flair, layer slices with lemon curd or raspberry jam and stack them for a mini cake tower—this French Butter Cake Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices of French Butter Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture stays delightful, and the flavors only get richer with time! You can also refrigerate for up to a week if you want to stretch out the enjoyment.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap your cake (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When cravings strike, just thaw overnight at room temperature—this French Butter Cake Recipe tastes wonderfully fresh even after freezing.

Reheating

If you like your cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that perfect, tender crumb!

FAQs

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

Cake flour makes the French Butter Cake Recipe extra delicate and soft, but if all you have is all-purpose flour, you can still make a delicious cake. For best results, substitute 2 cups of all-purpose flour minus 4 tablespoons, and add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch for a similar effect.

Can I add mix-ins like fruit or nuts?

Absolutely! Fold in a handful of fresh berries, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or chopped toasted nuts after combining the sour cream. These add-ins elevate the French Butter Cake Recipe while keeping its classic flavor intact.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, swap in full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both provide that tangy moisture that’s key to the French Butter Cake Recipe’s irresistible crumb.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Your best bet is the toothpick test: insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top will be golden and slightly springy—a delightful signal that your French Butter Cake Recipe is baked to perfection.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, extending the bake time by 5–10 minutes as needed. This French Butter Cake Recipe is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both elegant and accessible, this French Butter Cake Recipe belongs at the top of your must-bake list. Its buttery tenderness and effortless preparation make it a treat you’ll want to share (or keep for yourself!). Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen, too.

Print