Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

If you are searching for the ultimate homemade treat, look no further than this Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe. It’s an absolute treasure—simple to make yet wonderfully rich and tender, boasting that beautiful golden crust and buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Every bite whispers comfort and elegance, making it ideal for any occasion, whether a casual afternoon tea or a special celebration. This recipe brings the charm of French baking straight to your kitchen without any fuss, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how delightful this cake truly is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture, resulting in a tender cake with just the right crumb and a luscious buttery flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened for easy creaming, butter imparts richness and moisture, giving the cake that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• Large eggs (4, room temperature): Provide structure and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb; adding them one at a time ensures a stable batter.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Offers a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the buttery flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake, lending structure and balance to the moist ingredients.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cake a subtle lift, ensuring it’s airy without being overly cakey.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• Whole milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness, keeping the cake tender and soft.

How to Make Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start off by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, and line the bottom with parchment paper—this simple step helps the cake release easily once baked, preserving that perfect shape and texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 3 to 5 minutes. The goal here is to lighten the mixture until it’s pale and fluffy—this process traps air essential for that soft and airy texture that characterizes the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs Slowly

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps build a smooth, stable batter without curdling, ensuring the cake’s structure will hold up during baking. Slow and steady is key here for that tender crumb you love.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla Extract

Once the eggs are well combined, stir in the vanilla extract. This infusion of fragrant vanilla enhances the cake’s flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma that truly sets this butter cake apart.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender without developing tough gluten.

Step 6: Incorporate the Milk or Cream

Pour in your choice of whole milk or heavy cream and mix gently until the batter is smooth. The richness from the milk or cream is essential to keep the Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe moist and velvety, so don’t substitute or skip this step if you want that perfect texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean—a sign your cake is perfectly cooked through.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting phase helps maintain the moistness, so don’t rush to slice it while warm unless you prefer a gooey experience.

How to Serve Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

One of the simplest yet most elegant touches is to dust your butter cake with powdered sugar. It adds a subtle sweetness and a delicate visual appeal without overpowering the buttery flavor. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of homemade fruit compote can equally brighten the plate and add a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a dessert that feels indulgently special. For a classic French café experience, serve alongside a fragrant cup of coffee or a rich black tea—the warmth of the drink and softness of the cake create a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Slice the cake horizontally to create thin layers, then spread some homemade jam or lemon curd between the layers for a cake with a delightful surprise inside. Alternatively, serve thick wedges with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a rustic, yet sophisticated look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe keeps wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, the cake maintains its tender crumb and moistness without drying out—though honestly, it rarely sticks around that long!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and follow with a layer of aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. This tiny step restores the buttery aroma and moist crumb that make this recipe so irresistible fresh.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted for more control over the saltiness. If you use salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the additional salt in the recipe to keep the balance right.

Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?

Yes! Room temperature eggs blend more seamlessly with the butter-sugar mixture, promoting a smooth batter and better texture. If your eggs are cold, pop them in warm water for a few minutes to bring them up to room temp quickly.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Absolutely! Both work well in this recipe, though heavy cream adds a richer, more decadent crumb. Whole milk is a great lighter alternative without sacrificing moisture.

What can I do if the cake is too dense?

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to incorporate enough air, and don’t overmix after adding the flour. Also, adding the eggs one at a time helps with batter structure. Following these tips will keep your cake light and tender.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze any leftovers to retain moistness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe is a true celebration of simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to win hearts with every bite. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this lovely cake as much as I do—it’s a wonderful way to add a little French magic to your everyday.

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