Oh, my sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic French Butter Cake baking in the oven. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a golden, tender hug in every slice, a simple dessert that elevates any moment into something truly special. The rich, delicate crumb and the subtle sweetness make it an absolute dream, proving that magic happens with just a few humble ingredients and a lot of love.
I remember countless afternoons as a little girl, perched on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her skillfully cream butter and sugar. The patience, the anticipation, the joy when the first slice was cut – those moments were the foundation of my baking journey. This very French Butter Cake brings back those cherished memories, a taste of nostalgia that warms the heart.
This recipe is not only wonderfully easy to bake, making it perfect for both seasoned pros and budding bakers, but it also creates a dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to any family gathering. My top tip for this bake? Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; it makes all the difference for that impossibly tender crumb!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
To create this delightful cake, you’ll be reaching for staples like rich unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and creamy whole milk, which all contribute to that signature tender crumb and rich flavor profile of this French Butter Cake. I always insist on using a good quality vanilla extract; it really deepens the flavor and adds that extra special touch. The complete list of ingredients and their precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make French Butter Cake
Creating this elegant French Butter Cake is a delightful journey of simple steps that yield extraordinary results. You’ll begin by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate eggs and vanilla for richness. Dry ingredients are gently folded in with whole milk, creating a smooth batter that bakes into a beautifully golden and tender masterpiece. The prep time is just 25 minutes, and it bakes for 55 minutes, making it a perfect project for a leisurely afternoon.
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Classic French Butter Cake (Gâteau au Beurre)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round springform pan or a regular round cake pan. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the large eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour in half of the whole milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the batter is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This French Butter Cake
Crafting the perfect French Butter Cake is all about a few thoughtful details that can elevate your results from good to absolutely glorious. Here are some of my tried-and-true secrets that I’ve gathered over years of whisking and baking!
My Secret Trick: I always make sure to sift my all-purpose flour and baking powder together before adding them to the wet ingredients. This simple step ensures there are no lumps and helps create the most incredibly light and airy texture in your French Butter Cake.
Always start with room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes evenly and results in a wonderfully tender cake. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense, uneven texture.
Do not overmix your batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined – a few small streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
Before baking, I always like to tap the cake pan gently on the counter a couple of times. This helps to release any large air bubbles trapped in the batter, ensuring a more uniform crumb and preventing large holes in your finished cake.
Fun Variations for French Butter Cake
One of the most wonderful things about a classic like French Butter Cake is how beautifully it lends itself to creative twists! It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. My sister always asks me to swirl in raspberry jam into the batter before baking for a fruity surprise, and it’s always a hit!
Zesty Lemon & Orange Infusion
For a bright, refreshing take, incorporate the zest of one lemon and one orange into the batter. The citrus notes pair beautifully with the rich butter flavor, making this French Butter Cake perfect for spring or summer. You can even add a simple citrus glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh juice once cooled.
Spiced Autumn Delight
Imagine the warmth of autumn in every bite! Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced version. A friend of mine loves when I bake this variation and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
Chocolate Chip Swirl
Who can resist chocolate? Fold in a half cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter right before pouring it into the pan. For an extra decadent touch, you could even swirl in a tablespoon of melted chocolate for a marbled effect, transforming your simple French Butter Cake into a chocolate lover’s dream.
What to Serve With French Butter Cake
This tender French Butter Cake is a delightful star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments that enhance its rich flavor and tender texture. It’s the kind of dessert that feels wonderfully complete with just a little something extra.
I absolutely adore serving a slice of this cake with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm cake is a match made in heaven!
For a lighter touch, especially when fresh berries are in season, I often serve it with a handful of fresh mixed berries – raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries add a beautiful tart contrast and vibrant color. My mom always pairs it with a hot cup of black coffee or a delicate herbal tea in the afternoon, which makes for the perfect cozy moment.
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always elegant and quick, but for a special occasion, a light drizzle of homemade caramel sauce elevates the French Butter Cake into something truly extraordinary.
How to Store French Butter Cake
Keeping your delicious French Butter Cake fresh and tender for as long as possible is key to enjoying every last crumb! With a few simple storage tips, you can savor this lovely dessert for days.
To store your leftover French Butter Cake at room temperature, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 2-3 days on your counter. My personal tip? I like to place a slice of bread in the container with the cake; it helps absorb any extra moisture and keeps the cake incredibly soft!
For longer storage, the refrigerator is your friend. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully for up to a week. Before serving, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for that freshly baked feel.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
Yes, you can freeze French Butter Cake! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving. A quick dusting of fresh powdered sugar after thawing brings it back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
While this French Butter Cake is undoubtedly a delightful indulgence, it also offers a taste of wholesome goodness from its simple, quality ingredients. Made with real butter and eggs, it provides a comforting energy boost. When enjoyed as a cherished treat, it embodies my philosophy that desserts, especially homemade ones, can be a source of both satisfaction and simple, nourishing joy.
FAQs
What is the difference between a French Butter Cake and a pound cake?
A French Butter Cake often features baking powder for a slightly lighter texture, whereas traditional pound cake relies solely on aerated butter and eggs for its leavening, creating a denser crumb and richer profile, usually in a 1:1:1:1 ratio of ingredients.
Can I make French Butter Cake ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This French Butter Cake actually tastes even better the day after baking as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it at room temperature in an airtight container, and it will be perfectly delicious for your gathering.
What kind of pan should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using a 9-inch round cake pan for this French Butter Cake recipe. Ensure it’s greased and floured (or lined with parchment paper) to prevent sticking and guarantee an easy release for your beautiful cake.
Can I substitute dairy milk in this French Butter Cake?
Yes, you can often substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk in this French Butter Cake. The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious result for your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Baking this French Butter Cake is truly a labor of love, a delicious journey that culminates in a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s a reminder that with simple ingredients and a little heart, we can create sweet treats that not only taste incredible but also build beautiful memories. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the most wonderful aromas. I can’t wait for you to experience the pure joy of slicing into this rich, tender French Butter Cake – it’s a piece of sweet magic, baked with love, just for you.