French Butter Cake

The French Butter Cake is a sublime creation, marrying simplicity with elegance in every bite. This delicately buttery cake is renowned for its velvety texture and nuanced flavor profile. Crafted with minimal effort and a handful of quality ingredients, it stands as a testament to refined French patisserie without overwhelming complexity. Whether served at a sophisticated tea or as the centerpiece of a dinner party, this cake showcases the artistry of French baking at its finest.

Why Make This Recipe

• Effortless Yet Elegant: Whip together a few basic ingredients to create an extraordinary treat.
• Minimal Ingredients: Utilizes staples such as flour, butter, and eggs, yet achieves impressive depth of flavor.
• Impressive Flavor: The rich, buttery notes combined with a light crumb elevate it beyond standard cakes.

This recipe not only highlights the quality of ingredients but also demonstrates the beauty of restraint in cooking, allowing each flavor to shine through.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or cream for richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Fresh berries (optional)
• Lightly whipped cream (optional)

How to Make French Butter Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage for easy release.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. The volume should increase dramatically, creating an airy base.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before the next addition. This process enhances the cake’s structure.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
5. Fold Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding gently to maintain airiness. The batter will appear thick and glossy, reflecting its delightful richness.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Finish and Serve: Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.

How to Serve French Butter Cake

For an elegant presentation, plate slices of the cake alongside a few fresh berries. A dollop of lightly whipped cream enhances the visual appeal while providing a contrasting texture. Consider dusting the slices with additional powdered sugar for a refined touch.

How to Store French Butter Cake

To keep your French Butter Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer preservation, refrigerate it for up to a week. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature to maintain its delightful texture.

Tips to Make French Butter Cake

1. Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract to amplify the cake’s flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
3. Add Zest: A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest in the batter can introduce a lovely citrus note that brightens the overall flavor.
4. Serve Warm: For an elevated experience, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Flavor Infusion: Consider infusing the butter with herbs such as rosemary or thyme before incorporating it to add an unexpected yet delightful twist.

Variation

For an elegant twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty depth. You can also layer the cake with a buttercream filling or serve it with a light fruit compote for enhanced flavor contrast.

FAQs

What can I substitute for butter?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using a high-quality margarine or coconut oil, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Can I freeze the French Butter Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to three months.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when it’s golden brown, springs back to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

The French Butter Cake is an exquisite balance of simplicity and sophistication, offering a delightful experience with each mouthful. Its buttery richness and elegant presentation make it a standout dessert for any occasion. Sharing this recipe with others not only invites conversation but also inspires creativity in the kitchen. How would you make this dish your own?

French Butter Cake

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• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 50
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicate and buttery cake, renowned for its velvety texture and impressive flavor, perfect for any elegant occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Lightly whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding gently.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and allow it to set before serving.

Notes

Consider adding lemon or orange zest for a citrus note. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an elevated experience.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 35
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg