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Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

This Perfect French Butter Cake is a classic, tender, and moist cake with a rich buttery flavor and delicate crumb. It boasts a golden crust and soft interior, ideal for serving with tea or coffee, or as a base for elegant desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy & Eggs

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Dry Ingredients

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

Flavorings

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the emulsion and builds a stable batter structure.
  4. Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined, imparting a warm and sweet aromatic flavor to the batter.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the gluten which can toughen the cake.
  7. Add Milk: Pour in the milk or heavy cream and mix gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to maintain softness.
  8. Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared 9-inch cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until the cake top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to settle. Then remove from the pan and transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent a dense cake.
  • Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the cake out of the pan without damage.
  • To add extra flavor, consider zesting a lemon or orange and folding it into the batter before baking.
  • This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple dessert.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/perfect-french-butter-cake-recipe/