why make this recipe
French Butter Cake is a simple, old-fashioned cake. It uses basic ingredients and gives a rich, buttery taste. You can make it for tea, breakfast, or a small dessert. It is easy and does not need fancy tools.
introduction
This cake has a soft crumb and a strong butter flavor. It stays moist and feels rich without many steps. If you like richer flavors, try a different take like the Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake recipe for another idea.
how to make French Butter Cake
Make the cake in a few clear steps. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one by one, then fold in dry ingredients. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool a bit, then move to a rack to finish cooling.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve French Butter Cake
Slice the cake and serve plain or dust with a little powdered sugar. Serve with tea or coffee. You can also add fresh berries or a spoon of whipped cream for a light touch.
how to store French Butter Cake
Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
tips to make French Butter Cake
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix after adding flour; mix until just combined.
- Check the cake at 30 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the pan to keep its shape.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a light citrus note.
- Fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture.
- Replace 1/4 cup flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce added salt to a pinch. Salted butter can make the cake slightly saltier.
Q: Can I make this in a loaf pan?
A: Yes. Bake time may change. Check with a toothpick and bake until it comes out clean.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly.
Q: Do I need to beat the eggs separately?
A: No. You can add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar and mix as directed.
Q: Can I add glaze on top?
A: Yes. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk works well.
French Butter Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, old-fashioned cake with a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for tea or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter. Check the cake at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg