French Butter Cake is a classic dessert that showcases the rich flavors of butter and simplicity in baking. This cake is soft, moist, and perfect on its own or adorned with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to make French Butter Cake. First, it’s simple and requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Second, this cake is incredibly versatile; you can enjoy it plain, with fruit, or dressed up for special occasions. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your family and friends with a homemade treat that tastes fancy but is easy to bake.
How to make French Butter Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
French Butter Cake
A soft and moist classic dessert that highlights the rich flavors of butter, perfect on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also enjoy it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to serve French Butter Cake
To serve French Butter Cake, you can slice it and enjoy it plain or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness. For an extra treat, serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
How to store French Butter Cake
To store any leftover French Butter Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. For even longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to make French Butter Cake
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Use room temperature eggs, as this helps the batter mix together better.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If desired, try adding lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Variations
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter before baking for a fun twist on the classic French Butter Cake. You could also replace some of the milk with fruit juice for added flavor, like I did with this Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. However, you could try a gluten-free flour blend if needed, keeping in mind it may affect the texture.
3. How can I make this cake more flavorful? Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in citrus zest for a fresh flavor.
Conclusion
French Butter Cake is an easy and delicious dessert that anyone can make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a lovely cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade goodness!
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
