French Butter Cake Recipe

Cozying Up with French Butter Cake: A Warm Classic

As the days grow cooler and the golden leaves dance in the breeze, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a freshly baked French Butter Cake. This delightful cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that fills your home with the sweet aroma of melting butter and warm vanilla. I remember the first time I tasted it at my grandmother’s kitchen, where the laughter and chatter blended seamlessly with the sounds of baking. Her golden butter cake, with its tender crumb and rich flavor, became a cherished memory that I now recreate in my own kitchen.

This French Butter Cake is deceptively simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect choice for a cozy weekend baking session or an easy weeknight dessert. It’s a beautiful way to bring the family together over a delightful slice (or two!). This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that takes only 10 minutes of prep time.
• The buttery, tender texture is perfect for any occasion — from simple family dinners to special celebrations.
• With just a handful of ingredients, it’s straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• It offers versatility with endless variations, allowing you to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings.
• This French Butter Cake is great for meal prep; you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it all week!

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for the French Butter Cake recipe:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and the melted butter. Mix for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and airy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, creating a fragrant, sweet base.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined — you want the batter to be smooth without overmixing.
6. Gently fold in the sour cream, which adds a rich creaminess to the cake.
7. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar — this will create a beautiful, crisp topping as it bakes.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden and slightly puffed.
9. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Variations & Creative Twists

Let’s get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize your French Butter Cake:

• Citrus Burst: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the batter for a zesty twist that brightens every bite.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips to make it an indulgent treat, perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Nutty Delight: Consider folding in some finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Fruity Finish: Top your cake with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful, elegant touch.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are some of my best kitchen secrets for perfect results every time:

• Make-Ahead Advice: This cake can be prepared a day in advance; it often tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld beautifully!
• Storage Suggestions: Keep your butter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month for a cozy treat anytime!
• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a delicious substitute that still keeps the cake moist.
• Slicing Tricks: To get the neatest slices, clean your knife between cuts with a damp cloth. Enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Information per Serving

Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition for one slice of this heavenly butter cake:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 190mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions answered for you:

• Can I make this ahead? Yes! It keeps well in an airtight container and can even be frozen.
• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap sour cream for yogurt or try different flavor extracts like almond.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
• How long does it last? The cake lasts about 3 days at room temperature, but it’s so delicious, it might not last that long!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing the warmth of a homemade cake. This French Butter Cake is not only a comfort food classic but also a beautiful way to create memories with loved ones over sweet treats and good company. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a simple afternoon dessert, each bite is a reminder of sweet moments spent together.

Save this French Butter Cake Recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own delicious memories. Happy baking!

French Butter Cake

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and comforting French Butter Cake that’s perfect for any occasion with its buttery texture and rich flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and the melted butter. Mix for about 1 minute until light and airy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Gently fold in the sour cream.
7. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: French Butter Cake, Dessert, Baking, Comfort Food, Cake Recipe