French Butter Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that truly feels like a special treat, you cannot go wrong with this French Butter Cake (Rich, Melt-In-Your-Mouth). This cake is the ultimate comfort food wrapped in buttery goodness, boasting a tender crumb that simply dissolves on your tongue. Whether it’s a cozy coffee break or a festive dessert table, this cake’s elegant simplicity and satisfyingly rich flavor make it an irresistible choice. It’s a perfect example of how a handful of pantry staples, when combined with love and care, can yield a breathtakingly delightful dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this French Butter Cake lies in its carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create a luscious, moist texture and deep buttery flavor. Each component is essential, not just for taste but also for the perfect crumb and rise that melt effortlessly when you bite in.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the richness while helping create a light, airy batter.
• Unsalted butter: The hero of the dish, melted to infuse the cake with moist, velvety richness.
• Eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and moisture, blending everything smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that elevates the flavor profile.
• Cake flour: The secret to a delicate crumb, making the cake tender and soft.
• Baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise and light texture without heaviness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors subtly.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Granulated sugar for topping: Creates a crisp, sugary crust that contrasts wonderfully with the cake’s softness.

How to Make French Butter Cake (Rich, Melt-In-Your-Mouth)

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This simple step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist.

Step 2: Whisk Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter. Mix them together for about one minute until the mixture turns light and airy. This beating stage is where air is incorporated, lending the cake its delicate texture and rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate the eggs and build a smooth batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma hinting at the cake’s warmth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and that the raising agent is evenly distributed, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb and perfect rise. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

Now, gently fold in the sour cream. This ingredient adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and richness, resulting in a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this French Butter Cake so famously irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with two tablespoons of granulated sugar. This topping caramelizes into a crackly, buttery crust during baking. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing to maintain its delicate texture.

How to Serve French Butter Cake (Rich, Melt-In-Your-Mouth)

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and a touch of extra sweetness, while fresh berries or a thin vanilla glaze enhance both presentation and flavor without overpowering the buttery base. These small touches bring out the cake’s best qualities and make serving an event.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte creates a comforting duo that’s perfect for afternoon breaks. It also complements fruit compote or chilled vanilla ice cream beautifully, adding contrast and freshness to each bite of the rich cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into small squares for an elegant dessert platter at gatherings, or serve alongside a small dollop of whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful twist. This cake’s versatility shines in any presentation — from casual home treats to sophisticated celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your French Butter Cake at room temperature, tightly covered, for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, keeping it refrigerated in an airtight container will maintain freshness for up to a week, preserving that melt-in-your-mouth texture wonderfully.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To bring your cake back to that freshly baked softness, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. This rejuvenates the buttery crumb and keeps each bite tender and inviting.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular flour for cake flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour, cake flour is finely milled and has less protein, which helps create the tender crumb ideal for this butter cake. If you must substitute, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of all-purpose flour to mimic cake flour’s softness.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream plays a key role in providing moisture and a slight tang that balances the cake’s sweetness. Omitting it may result in a denser, less tender cake. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute.

Can I add other flavors to this cake?

Definitely! This French Butter Cake is a wonderful base for additions like fresh berries, a pinch of cinnamon, or lemon zest. These enhancements can add brightness or warmth, adapting the cake to your personal preferences or the season.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The best test is a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake will also pull slightly away from the pan’s edges, appearing golden brown on top with a slight sugary crust.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its refined flavor and elegant simplicity make it a perfect choice for celebrations, afternoon teas, or anytime you want to wow your family and friends with a luscious homemade dessert.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this French Butter Cake (Rich, Melt-In-Your-Mouth) that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor. It’s a charming, easy-to-make cake that never fails to impress with its buttery richness and tender crumb. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover firsthand how such humble ingredients can come together to create pure dessert bliss.

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