French Butter Cake Recipe

This French Butter Cake recipe is a delightful indulgence that combines a rich buttery flavor with a tender crumb, making it a true treat for any occasion. Perfect for coffee breaks or dessert tables, this easy-to-make cake will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this luscious cake in no time, impressing friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This French Butter Cake recipe requires only basic ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Delight: Serve it plain or dress it up with fresh fruits or whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual coffee gathering or a formal dinner party, this cake fits right in.
• Moist and Buttery Texture: The use of unsalted butter and sour cream ensures a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Quick Prep and Bake Time: With only 10 minutes of prep time and about 35 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy this delicious cake in under an hour.

Tools and Preparation

To create this exquisite French Butter Cake, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• 9×9-inch baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a light and airy batter by thoroughly combining the butter and sugar.
• Sifter: Ensures even distribution of dry ingredients, which helps prevent lumps in your cake batter.

Ingredients

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
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about one minute until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar-butter mixture. Mix well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream

Gently fold in the sour cream using a rubber spatula until blended into the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the additional granulated sugar.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing it into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

French Butter Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple dessert after dinner or a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon coffee, this cake is versatile and easy to serve.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of French Butter Cake topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cake perfectly.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the cake’s density.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cake.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cut the cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies and pastries. This makes for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake before serving. It adds extra richness and decadence to this already delicious dessert.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy slices of French Butter Cake alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with both beverages, making it perfect for any time of day.

How to Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

To achieve the best results with your French Butter Cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked.

• Use room temperature eggs – Eggs at room temperature mix more easily into the batter, helping to create a smooth consistency and contributing to a tender crumb.
• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together ensures even distribution in the batter and prevents clumps that can affect texture.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired light texture.
• Cool before slicing – Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before cutting it into slices. This helps it set better and prevents it from crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add zest from lemons or oranges for an extra layer of flavor, or incorporate nuts for added texture.
• Store properly – Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness while maintaining moisture.

Best Side Dishes for French Butter Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your French Butter Cake can enhance its sweetness and create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy side that complements the cake beautifully.
3. Chocolate Fondue – A fun option where guests can dip fruits or pieces of cake into warm chocolate.
4. Nutty Granola – Serve granola on the side for those who enjoy crunch; it adds texture alongside the soft cake.
5. Coffee Mousse – A light coffee-flavored mousse pairs well with butteriness while providing an elegant touch.
6. Lemon Sorbet – The tartness of sorbet refreshes your palate after indulging in rich cake.
7. Cheese Plate – A selection of soft cheeses offers savory notes that contrast nicely against sweet desserts.
8. Spiced Almonds – Crunchy spiced almonds add warmth and depth while providing delightful snacking between bites of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a French Butter Cake can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Always bring your eggs to room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your cake flour accurately.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Combine the ingredients until just mixed for a tender crumb.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Not cooling before slicing: Cutting into a hot cake can lead to crumbles. Allow it to cool slightly for cleaner slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container. This keeps the French Butter Cake fresh and moist.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Butter Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Butter Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per slice, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this French Butter Cake recipe unique?

This French Butter Cake recipe stands out due to its rich butter flavor and tender crumb, making it a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare at home.

How do I customize my French Butter Cake?

You can add citrus zest, chocolate chips, or nuts into the batter for added flavor and texture. It’s also delicious with fruits like berries on top.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe if using salted butter. This will help maintain the right balance of flavors.

Is this French Butter Cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its buttery richness makes it perfect for celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, or even as an everyday dessert option.

How do I know when my French Butter Cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, bake longer.

Final Thoughts

This French Butter Cake recipe is not only rich and buttery but also incredibly versatile! Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with fruit, or dressed up with frosting, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet craving. We encourage you to try this easy dessert and explore your own customization options!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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French Butter Cake

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the exquisite taste of this French Butter Cake, a delightful dessert that brings together a rich buttery flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed with coffee during an afternoon break or served elegantly at dinner parties, this cake is sure to impress. With straightforward ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a luscious treat ready in no time. The moist texture, enhanced by unsalted butter and sour cream, makes each bite melt in your mouth.

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Ingredients

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• 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
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and melted butter using an electric mixer until light and airy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually incorporate into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Gently fold in sour cream with a rubber spatula.
6. Pour batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle with additional sugar on top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square piece (60g)
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg