French butter cake is one of those quintessential desserts that seems to effortlessly bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia into any kitchen. I first stumbled upon this delightful cake during a trip to France, where I learned that simplicity in baking often leads to the most profound flavors. This cake is moist and buttery with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making it a joy to serve at celebrations or even during quiet afternoons with a steaming cup of tea. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to make your day a little brighter.

Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets this French Butter Cake apart? For starters, it requires minimal ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and approachable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, its straightforward preparation means you can whip it up on a weeknight or serve it at your next brunch gathering. Plus, its rich flavor is versatile enough to pair with seasonal fruits or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

"This cake is like a hug from my grandma! So simple, yet unbelievably delicious. It’s now a staple in our family." – Happy Baker Review

How This Recipe Comes Together
Getting started with a French Butter Cake is as easy as pie. You’ll be mixing and baking in no time. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a deliciously buttery cake that will impress anyone who takes a bite. Here’s a quick preview of what to expect: first, you’ll cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs, then incorporate dry ingredients and milk. Easy enough, right?

What You’ll Need
To gather your baking supplies, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine for the butter or almond milk for a dairy-free option. However, the classic taste is best when using the original ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan to avoid sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until you achieve a light and fluffy mixture.
Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition for the best texture.
Gently stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until everything is just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, finished look.

Best Ways to Enjoy It
This French Butter Cake can be served in a myriad of delicious ways! Consider accompanying it with fresh fruits like berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. For something more decadent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your dessert game. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for those cozy afternoons.

How to Store & Freeze
Storing your leftover cake is a breeze! Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. It can last up to three months in the freezer; just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Helpful Cooking Tips
To achieve the perfect French Butter Cake, ensure that your butter is at room temperature to facilitate better blending. Also, room temp eggs help in achieving a fluffier texture. If you like a bit of zest, try adding the grated zest of a lemon or orange for extra flavor!

Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with this basic recipe. Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or fold in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You could even make it into a layered cake with frosting in between for special events. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!

Common Questions

What is the prep time for this cake?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes another 30-35 minutes.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! It can be made a day ahead and stored properly.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the milk with a non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free version.

This French Butter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delicious expression of love and tradition in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, it’s a sweet token that never fails to impress.

French Butter Cake

A moist and buttery cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or quiet afternoons with tea.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine French

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened Room temperature for better blending.
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs Room temperature for fluffiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract For aroma.

Dry ingredients

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

Wet ingredients

1/2 cup milk Can substitute with non-dairy alternatives.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mixing

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

Serve warm, or dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to three months. Consider adding lemon or orange zest for extra flavor, or mix in chocolate chips or nuts.

Keyword Baking, buttery cake, Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe, French Butter Cake