If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in a dessert that’s as effortlessly elegant as it is buttery and comforting, the French Butter Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine a cake that’s rich and tender, with a delicate crumb that almost melts on your tongue, scented lightly with vanilla and a hint of almond. It’s a stunning centerpiece for afternoon tea, a cozy brunch, or a special celebration, and the simple list of ingredients lets every sumptuous flavor shine through. This is a recipe that truly delivers the magic of classic French baking right to your kitchen—no passport required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make an authentic French Butter Cake Recipe—just a handful of kitchen staples that, when combined with care, create something really special. Every ingredient here plays a key role, from the butter that makes every crumb unforgettable to the touch of vanilla that brings the whole cake together.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The real star of the show, bringing irresistible richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps whip the butter into a fluffy base.
- Large Eggs (4): These give the cake its perfect structure and a beautifully tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): For deep, aromatic flavor that wraps the whole cake in warmth.
- Almond Extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle, nutty depth—just a little transforms the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cake; you can use cake flour for an even finer crumb.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Gives your batter just the lift it needs for a lovely rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies all those lovely flavors.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender—don’t skip it!
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light snowfall on the finished cake makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan—this will make sure your cake releases easily after baking and keeps the edges beautifully golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy; this may take several minutes, but it’s key for that luxurious French Butter Cake Recipe texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time and mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for warmth and, if you’re using it, the almond extract for subtle depth. This step builds the cake’s delicate flavor profile.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is distributed evenly and your cake bakes up perfectly every time.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing on low speed and scraping the bowl as you go. The batter should be smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a lovely pale gold.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s fully cooled, give it a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The result? Absolute, buttery perfection!
How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A little powdered sugar dusted over the top is a classic touch and adds just a hint of sweetness and whimsy. If you want to dress it up, try a tumble of fresh berries, a few edible flowers, or a dollop of softly whipped cream—each one pairs beautifully with the rich, tender flavor of this French Butter Cake Recipe.
Side Dishes
While the cake is wonderful all on its own, it’s even more delightful with some fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of crème fraîche on the side. For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve alongside a gently brewed pot of Earl Grey or a bold French press coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into wedges and layer with fresh strawberries and cream for a simple strawberry shortcake twist. Or, use a cookie cutter to make individual cake rounds for elegant plated desserts—stack them with sweetened mascarpone and drizzle with berry or citrus sauce. There’s no end to the delicious ways you can showcase your French Butter Cake Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake will keep well, tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, pop it in the fridge to keep it at its best—just allow it to return to room temperature before serving for the richest flavor.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this French Butter Cake Recipe! Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or slip it into a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you’d like to gently refresh the cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat unfrosted cake in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This helps restore its just-baked aroma and soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just reduce the added salt by half to avoid an overly salty cake. Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning more precisely, which is why it’s the classic choice for this French Butter Cake Recipe.
What type Dessert
A 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan is ideal, helping the cake bake evenly and ensuring you get a lovely presentation. Springform makes unmolding particularly easy, especially if you’re hoping for a picture-perfect result!
How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges of the cake will become golden and start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your French Butter Cake Recipe is ready to cool.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a little lemon zest, orange zest, or swapping almond extract for orange blossom water. Just remember: subtlety is key to let the butter flavor really shine.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
The classic recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, so it’s not naturally vegan or gluten-free. However, you can experiment with plant-based butter, gluten-free flour blends, or milk alternatives for a version that suits your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary, you absolutely owe it to yourself to try this French Butter Cake Recipe. It’s one of those bakes that always feels special, whether you serve it at a big celebration or just share a slice with your favorite people over coffee. Trust me—this is a classic you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
French Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this classic French Butter Cake. Delightfully moist and flavorful, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For Dusting:
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan by greasing and flouring it.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This cake is delicious when served with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- For a slightly denser texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
