French Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, buttery hug, look no further than the French Butter Cake. This delightful treat combines a tender crumb with a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and leaves you smiling. The French Butter Cake is incredibly simple but irresistibly delicious, making it a timeless favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a cozy dessert, this cake never fails to impress with its elegant simplicity and luscious taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the French Butter Cake lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each one is essential, contributing to its moist texture, rich flavor, and delicate crumb. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cake to life:

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted: The star fat that gives the cake its signature richness and moistness.
• 3 eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
• 2 cups cake flour: Ensures a light and tender texture that’s not too dense.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cake a perfect lift.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery depth.
• ⅔ cup sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tang to complement the sweet richness.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping: Adds a delicate crunchy crust to the finished cake.

How to Make French Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Beat them together for about a minute until the mixture turns light and airy. This step helps create the perfect buttery base for your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract. Adding eggs gradually keeps the batter smooth and well-mixed, preventing any curdling.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents lumps in the batter.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make the cake dense, so aim for a gentle fold to keep it light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fold in Sour Cream

Gently fold in the sour cream, which adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweet, buttery flavor profile of the French Butter Cake.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow its texture to set.

How to Serve French Butter Cake

Garnishes

The French Butter Cake shines on its own but can be elevated with thoughtful garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries are perfect choices that add contrast and freshness without overpowering its buttery richness.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of fruit compote creates an inviting balance of cold and warm, creamy and fruity. It also makes for a delightful afternoon tea or dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats at your next gathering, or layer slices with fresh strawberries and cream for an impromptu trifle. The French Butter Cake’s buttery texture and mild sweetness make it incredibly versatile for creative presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh without drying out its tender crumb.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French Butter Cake can last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. These quick methods revive the cake’s buttery softness and aroma beautifully.

FAQs

What makes French Butter Cake different from other butter cakes?

French Butter Cake is known for its rich, buttery base combined with sour cream, which adds a subtle tang and moist texture that sets it apart from typical butter cakes.

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

While you can substitute all-purpose flour, cake flour provides a lighter, tender crumb due to its lower protein content, which is ideal for French Butter Cake’s delicate texture.

Why is sour cream used in this cake?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s richness, giving it a tender crumb that feels indulgent but not heavy.

How should I store French Butter Cake if I live in a humid climate?

In humid climates, it’s best to keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to avoid sogginess and maintain freshness. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can I add flavors or toppings to the French Butter Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with citrus zest, almond extracts, or sprinkle nuts or seeds on top before baking. Just keep the balance to preserve the cake’s classic buttery appeal.

Final Thoughts

The French Butter Cake is one of those special recipes that feels like a trusted friend—comforting, dependable, and always delicious. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method deliver an indulgent experience every time, making it a cake you’ll want to have on hand for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor its buttery perfection. Trust me, once you taste the French Butter Cake, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.

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