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Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

This Perfect French Butter Cake recipe delivers a rich, tender, and buttery cake with a golden crust and soft crumb, perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it exemplifies classic French baking techniques to produce a cake that is both elegant and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Sugar

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Eggs and Flavoring

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid

  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch cake pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier cake removal.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a stand or hand mixer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture.
  3. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain the emulsion and build structure for the batter.
  4. Fold in Vanilla: Stir the pure vanilla extract into the batter until fully combined, adding aromatic depth.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  6. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using low speed until just incorporated to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
  7. Add Milk: Pour in the milk or heavy cream and mix gently until the batter is smooth; avoid overbeating to prevent gluten toughness.
  8. Transfer and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
  9. Bake: Bake the cake for 40–50 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cake is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance presentation and add a delicate sweetness.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
  • Use room temperature eggs to help the batter blend smoothly and maintain an emulsion.
  • Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense or tough cake texture.
  • A 9-inch round cake pan works best to achieve the proper thickness and baking time.
  • Dusting with powdered sugar is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
  • The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: French butter cake, classic French cake, buttery cake recipe, simple dessert, vanilla cake, easy cake recipe, tender cake, baking

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/perfect-french-butter-cake-recipe/