French Butter Cake Recipe

Let me introduce you to the French Butter Cake—a golden, buttery masterpiece that’s crisp on top and tender inside. This cake is pure comfort, radiating with the elegance of classic French baking but made blissfully simple for any home kitchen. If you’re craving a treat that’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and subtly sweet, this beloved French Butter Cake is about to become your new obsession!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a French Butter Cake lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something wonderful and essential to the party, from that gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth crumb to the irresistible golden crust. Trust me, you don’t want to swap or skip anything here: every element plays a starring role!

• Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): Provides classic sweetness inside and gives the top that signature crisp, crackly finish.
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): The backbone of all that rich flavor and soft, moist texture—use high-quality butter for the most heavenly result.
• Eggs (3, room temperature): They give the cake structure and that signature tenderness. Make sure they’re at room temp for a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract (2½ teaspoons): Adds warmth and aroma that elevate the cake from “good” to completely swoon-worthy.
• Cake Flour (2 cups): This is the secret to a fine, tender crumb—using all-purpose results in a heavier cake.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Lifts the cake just enough so it’s not dense but still wonderfully rich.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens all those buttery notes.
• Sour Cream (⅔ cup): Makes the crumb extra soft and moist, plus adds a subtle tang that brightens up every bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about French Butter Cake is how adaptable it is—you can play around with flavors, swap ingredients for allergies, or just tweak it to suit your mood. Here are a few tasty ideas to inspire you!

• Lemon Zest Twist: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a fresh, bright flavor that pairs beautifully with all that buttery richness.
• Almond Lovers: Swap a teaspoon of vanilla for pure almond extract, or sprinkle chopped toasted almonds over the sugar topping for a French-inspired crunch.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute a high-quality gluten-free baking blend for the cake flour to create a version everyone can enjoy (just make sure there’s xanthan gum in your blend for best results).
• Berries on Top: Scatter a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries over the batter before baking for little pockets of juicy fruit in every slice!

How to Make French Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep, Grease, and Set the Scene

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. Lining the pan with a parchment sling makes it easy to lift out the cake later—total game-changer! Gather all your ingredients so you can work quickly and efficiently.

Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Beat with a hand mixer (or sturdy spatula!) for about one minute—this little bit of aeration helps the cake bake up light, while the melted butter gives it that dense, luxurious crumb we love.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition—this keeps the batter beautifully smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter turning creamy and fragrant—that’s your sign you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures the baking powder gets evenly distributed—key for even rising. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing until just combined (don’t over-mix or your cake will be tough).

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

With a gentle hand (think spatula love), fold in the sour cream until the batter is even. This makes the French Butter Cake ultra-moist, balancing all that buttery richness with a just-right texture.

Step 6: Bake with a Sugar Kiss

Spread the batter in your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top. This creates a dreamy, shattering crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is irresistibly golden.

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Savor

Allow the French Butter Cake to cool in the pan so it sets properly and slices neatly (trust me, it’s worth the patience). Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy the rich aroma before you even take that first bite!

How to Serve French Butter Cake

Garnishes

This French Butter Cake is exquisite all on its own, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a scatter of fresh berries takes it over the top. For a real “wow” moment, serve each slice with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a drizzle of crème anglaise. Pure magic!

Side Dishes

A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of floral black tea is the classic French way to enjoy this cake. For a fun brunch, pair it with fruit salad or a platter of sliced ripe peaches—it balances the buttery richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the cake into small rectangles and layer with lemon curd or raspberry jam for a mini-cake effect. You can even use cookie cutters to punch out fun shapes for a dessert table! Little squares also look adorable stacked on a pretty cake stand with edible flowers for garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover French Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sugar top may soften a bit but the cake stays divinely moist and flavorful!

Freezing

French Butter Cake freezes super well! Once completely cool, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, and you’re back to fresh-baked bliss in no time.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked texture, pop individual slices in a low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This brings back a hint of crispness to the top and warms up the butter-soaked crumb—completely irresistible!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a little slice of joy—something buttery, golden, and practically elegant in its simplicity—make this French Butter Cake. I hope it brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of French magic to your table. Bon appétit, friends!

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