French Butter Cake Recipe

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Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of rich butter and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a cool afternoon. This French Butter Cake Recipe delivers a golden-hued masterpiece with a tender crumb and a subtle sugary crunch on top that feels like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for family or a showstopper for guests, this cake promises a luscious experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This French Butter Cake Recipe

• Delectably Buttery Flavor: Every bite melts smoothly with a rich buttery crumb that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe shines by using familiar pantry staples like granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and cake flour, so you probably have everything on hand already.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture: The addition of sour cream brings a moist, tender softness that keeps this cake delightfully fresh slice after slice.
• Impressive Yet Easy: This is baking bliss for both beginners and seasoned bakers, creating a stunning dessert without fuss.
• Generous Servings: Yielding 12 slices, it’s ideal for gatherings or savoring leftovers the next day (if it lasts that long!).

Why This French Butter Cake Recipe Works

This French Butter Cake Recipe succeeds because of a few key techniques and ingredients that stand out. The method calls for melting unsalted butter and blending it with sugar until airy and light, which helps create that signature tender crumb. Sifting the cake flour, baking powder, and salt ensures an even, delicate texture, while folding in sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the buttery sweetness. Baking in a 9×9-inch dish at just the right temperature lets the sugar topping caramelize slightly, giving a lovely sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Gather these pantry heroes and fridge staples to make magic: silky melted butter meets the golden glow of sugar, complemented by eggs and vanilla to enrich every bite.

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a beautiful crust when sprinkled on top.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted: The cake’s heart and soul, creating richness and tenderness.
• 3 eggs, room temperature: Binds the ingredients while adding a fluffy texture.
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses fragrant warmth and classic dessert flavor.
• 2 cups cake flour: Gives the cake its soft, fine crumb texture.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the batter for a gentle rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• ⅔ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and subtle tang to keep each slice irresistibly tender.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping: Creates that delightful sugary crust.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Unsalted butter: You can use salted butter if unsalted isn’t available, but omit any additional salt for balance.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla essence or even almond extract can give a different, yet delicious, flavor twist.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a handy substitute that will still provide moisture and tanginess.
• Cake flour: If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons per cup, swapped with cornstarch for similar softness.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure your cake releases easily and crisps up on the edges.

💡 Pro Tip: Lightly butter and dust with flour for extra non-stick assurance.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the melted butter. Give it about a minute of mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to that tender texture!

💡 Pro Tip: A hand mixer speeds this along beautifully, but a strong whisk and some muscle work wonders too.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Slowly add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate and build volume. Then pour in the fragrant vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its signature warmth.

💡 Pro Tip: Adding eggs gradually prevents curdling and keeps the batter silky smooth.

Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. This aerates the mixture, ensuring a lighter cake crumb. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything blends.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to over-mix—stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour for the fluffiest cake.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

Gently fold in the sour cream, delicately combining it with the batter. This little extra touch gives a uniquely tender crumb and a hint of tangy richness.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a spatula to fold in, not stir, to keep the air in the batter.

Step 6: Assemble

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will caramelize into a subtle, sparkling crust as it bakes.

💡 Pro Tip: Smooth the top gently with the back of a spoon for even baking and a polished finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Watch for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean and notice the edges turning to a lovely golden color. That sweet sugar topping should shimmer irresistibly.

💡 Pro Tip: Check at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow your French Butter Cake to cool slightly in the dish before slicing. This short resting lets the flavors settle, making each slice a tender delight.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve it warm for a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience, or at room temperature for a firmer slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the batter: Can cause a dense cake instead of a tender crumb.
• Using cold eggs or butter: Makes the batter clumpy and less cohesive.
• Skipping the sugar topping: Loses that beautiful crunchy, caramelized finish.
• Not properly greasing the pan: Leads to sticking and uneven baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Too hot can burn edges while leaving the center undercooked, too low results in a pale, dense cake.
• Not sifting the dry ingredients: Causes lumps and uneven rise.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic French Butter Cake Recipe, take it on tasty detours:

Lemon Zest Twist

Add the zest of a fresh lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy lift that pairs wonderfully with the buttery base.

Blueberry Burst

Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries just before baking to enjoy juicy pockets of fruit throughout your cake.

Almond Crunch

Sprinkle slivered almonds on top along with the sugar to introduce a nutty crunch that complements the cake’s softness.

Chocolate Drizzle

Finish your slices with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence. For even more chocolate fun, try our Chocolate Yule Log with Cream Filling and Festive Decorations recipe for a similar French dessert delight.

Vanilla Bean Infusion

Enhance the vanilla flavor by scraping the seeds from a vanilla bean pod and adding them with the vanilla extract for extraordinary aroma and taste.

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top makes your cake look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the buttery richness. A simple cup of coffee or tea balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into charming squares and serve layered with fresh fruit preserves or spread a thin layer of apricot jam between slices for a fruity surprise. For a lighter touch, present alongside our fluffy Best Vanilla French Beignets: Fluffy & Delicious French Treats for an elegant French dessert assortment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before baking to maintain the delicate texture.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly or place the whole cake wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh that just-baked softness.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Measure cake flour accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Let eggs come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation.
• Don’t rush folding in sour cream; a gentle touch keeps the cake light.
• Sprinkle sugar evenly atop the batter for a uniform crunchy top.
• Watch your baking time carefully—every oven runs a bit differently.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to get clean, neat pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour by replacing 2 tablespoons of each cup with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s softness, but the texture might be slightly less tender.

Is sour cream essential in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake tender, but Greek yogurt makes a great substitute if needed.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You would need to substitute the butter and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut yogurt, but this may change the flavor and texture somewhat.

How should I store leftover cake?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish or two pans, adjusting baking time slightly as needed.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

This buttery cake is fantastic plain or with simple accompaniments like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey.

How can I make my cake extra moist?

Ensuring you fold in the sour cream gently and don’t overmix the batter helps keep the crumb moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

This French Butter Cake Recipe is a treasured classic that brings warmth and buttery goodness into your home with every bite. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon indulgence or a centerpiece at your next gathering, the simple ingredients and straightforward steps deliver a cake that’s both comforting and elegant. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll fall in love with its tender crumb and delightful sugary finish, just like I did long ago. Baking this cake is not just cooking; it’s creating a moment of joy and sweetness to share.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love these delicious recipes:

• Chocolate Mousse No Eggs – A luscious, creamy French chocolate dessert that’s delightfully smooth and egg-free.

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