7 Secrets to the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe You’ll Love Baking
Introduction
If you’re searching for a delightful cake that’s rich, buttery, and irresistibly delicious, the French Butter Cake is your answer! This classic recipe brings comfort and joy to any occasion, making baking a pleasure rather than a chore. You’ll find that this cake is not only simple to make, but it also yields beautiful results that impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for any level of baker.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have all the ingredients at home, meaning fewer trips to the store!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual family gathering, this cake fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a slice of this moist and flavorful cake.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The buttery flavor shines through, creating a mouthwatering treat that you can’t resist.
This French Butter Cake stands out from other recipes because of its delicate texture and rich flavor balance. Each bite offers a delightful comfort that can impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
How to Make French Butter Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9-inch cake pan and place parchment paper at the bottom. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps achieve a stable batter that will rise beautifully.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. This enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream and mix until the batter is smooth. Be gentle to avoid toughening the cake.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cool, dust with powdered sugar or serve plain to fully appreciate its richness.
How to Serve French Butter Cake
Serve the French Butter Cake plain to highlight its buttery flavor, or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a charming touch. Pair it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Enjoy it with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store French Butter Cake
Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider refrigerating it, where it will last for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze it for up to three months—just make sure to wrap it well.
Tips to Make French Butter Cake
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps create a stable batter and results in a light, fluffy cake.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.
Variations
Feel free to add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or fold in chocolate chips for a decadent surprise. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be cautious with adding extra salt in the recipe.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A cake may sink if it was underbaked or if the batter was mixed too much. Make sure to bake it long enough and check doneness with a toothpick.
Conclusion
The French Butter Cake is a beautiful recipe that offers a soft, rich flavor that is sure to win over your taste buds. Its simplicity and delightful taste make it a must-try for both novice and experienced bakers. If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your baking experience on social media—what variations did you try? Let us know below!
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French Butter Cake
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, buttery, and irresistible cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cake pan and place parchment paper at the bottom.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg