Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe
This Perfect French Butter Cake recipe delivers a rich, tender, and buttery cake with a delicate crumb and a golden crust. Ideal for any occasion, this classic French dessert is simple to prepare and promises a moist, flavorful experience that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. This process maintains the emulsion and builds batter structure for the cake.
- Mix in Vanilla Extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined to add a rich flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated to avoid toughening the cake.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and optimal texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to prevent a dense cake.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For an extra touch, serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: French butter cake, butter cake recipe, classic French cake, buttery dessert, easy cake recipe