Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for bakery-style treats but want something you can whip up at home with confidence, this Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. It’s a tender, buttery dream that balances a delicate crumb with just the right touch of sweetness, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re serving it for afternoon tea or as an elegant dessert, this cake brings a classic French charm that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it delightfully simple—each ingredient plays its own vital role in creating the signature moist texture and lovely golden crust you expect from this cake. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the light touch of vanilla, every component works harmoniously to deliver perfection.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter ensures a creamy batter and that luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): It sweetens gently and helps create a golden crust as it caramelizes during baking.
• Large eggs (4, room temperature): Eggs provide structure and moisture, making the cake wonderfully tender yet stable.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of your cake, it creates the tender crumb while giving it body.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A gentle lift—ensuring your cake rises perfectly and stays light.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the butter’s natural richness.
• Whole milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a silky smooth crumb to the batter.

How to Make Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper—this little prep step ensures your cake comes out flawlessly without sticking, so you get a perfect shape every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, helping your cake develop that irresistibly soft crumb.

Step 3: Add the Eggs One at a Time

Mix in the eggs individually, making sure to beat well after each addition. This careful process helps the batter stay emulsified and builds the structure that will make your cake rise beautifully and feel tender yet sturdy.

Step 4: Stir in the Vanilla Extract

Blend in the vanilla extract next, which brings out warmth and complexity, turning a simple cake into something truly special.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed—mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and avoid toughness.

Step 6: Add Milk and Finish Batter

Pour in the milk or cream and mix gently until the batter is smooth. Be mindful not to overmix here—you want a batter that’s silky but not dense, so your cake bakes up perfectly soft.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This perfect timing locks in moisture while developing that golden crust we all love.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This careful cooling step helps the cake set perfectly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar always adds a charming touch to your French Butter Cake. For a little extra indulgence, serve with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey to enhance its buttery richness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, but it also pairs beautifully with creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These accompaniments create a lovely balance between silky smooth and tender crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try cutting the cake into neat squares and stacking them with layers of fruit preserves or mascarpone cream between for mini cake sandwiches. Or plate individual slices with a flower petal and fresh mint leaves for that elegant French patisserie vibe at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves its moist texture and buttery flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save your Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe for later, wrap it well with plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months and thaw gently at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to just-baked freshness, gently warm slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds. This softens the crumb and revives that lovely melt-in-your-mouth feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with cake flour?

Absolutely! Cake flour will give your French Butter Cake an even lighter, more tender crumb. Just swap it in equal measure, and expect an ultra-soft texture.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but it’s best to reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to keep flavors balanced. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk or heavy cream works best for richness and moisture, but you can use lower-fat milk if needed. Just know the texture might be slightly less tender.

Why is it important to have eggs at room temperature?

Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the batter, helping create a smooth, even mixture that traps air for a lighter cake.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The cake’s surface will also be golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade cake that feels both elegant and comforting, and this Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s straightforward enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress any guest. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing this buttery delight as I do—go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to a slice of French-inspired happiness!

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