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French Butter Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This French Butter Cake recipe is a rich, buttery dessert with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Quick and easy to make with pantry staples, it’s perfect for coffee breaks, dessert tables, or whenever you crave a sweet, satisfying treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup sour cream

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Beat for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and airy, which helps create a tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then add the vanilla extract and mix again until combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and no lumps.
  5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Fold in Sour Cream: Carefully fold the sour cream into the batter to add moisture and richness without deflating it.
  7. Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to create a subtle, sweet crust.
  8. Bake and Test: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into 12–16 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, fold in berries or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter before baking.
  • Top with powdered sugar or a light glaze for a prettier finish and added sweetness.
  • Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave or oven briefly to refresh the cake’s soft texture before serving.
  • The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to preserve quality.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/french-butter-cake-recipe/