When it comes to indulgent yet simple desserts, few can rival the elegance of a French Butter Cake. This cake is rich, buttery, and has a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite. Despite its luxurious flavor, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet delight, Easy French Butter Cake is sure to impress.

I first tried making this cake when I wanted a dessert that was both simple and refined. After reading through several recipes, I found a version that seemed approachable but still had the elegance I was looking for. As the cake baked in the oven, the scent of butter filled the house, creating an irresistible anticipation. When I finally took it out and let it cool, the golden color and light, airy texture looked just like something you’d find in a French patisserie. The first bite was absolutely heavenly, and it quickly became one of my go-to recipes.

This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a tea party, bringing a dessert to a dinner gathering, or simply craving something comforting. Its understated beauty and exquisite flavor make it a versatile choice that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can even customize it by adding fruits, spices, or a light glaze. No matter how you serve it, Easy French Butter Cake will never disappoint.

Why This Easy French Butter Cake?

Selling Points:
Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few basic ingredients, this cake has the sophisticated taste of a French patisserie.
Buttery Flavor: The cake’s rich, buttery taste is what truly sets it apart, making it the perfect treat for butter lovers.
Versatile: It can be enjoyed on its own, topped with whipped cream, or served with fruit or a drizzle of chocolate.
Quick to Prepare: Despite its fancy flavor, it comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment or techniques.

What You Need for Easy French Butter Cake

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  

How to Make Easy French Butter Cake

• Prepare the Ingredients:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Make the Batter:
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Bake the Cake:
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed.
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect French Butter Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Check the Cake Early: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Substitutions and Variations
Fruit Add-ins: Add berries, sliced apples, or citrus zest to the batter for a fruity twist.
Flavored Butter: Use browned butter for a nutty, rich flavor that will elevate the cake even further.
Spices: For a little warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the top for a refreshing citrusy flavor.

Make a Healthier Version
Lighter Butter: Use half the amount of butter and replace the rest with Greek yogurt or applesauce for a lower-fat alternative.
Sugar Substitutes: Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to reduce the calorie content.
Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and make the cake a little heartier.

Closing for Easy French Butter Cake

Easy French Butter Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a rich and comforting flavor with a light, airy texture. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a cake that anyone can master. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is sure to impress. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular treat in your kitchen. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family—they’ll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy French Butter Cake

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake keeps well for a couple of days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to a month if wrapped tightly.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Using real butter yields the best results.

3. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch round pan, but the cake may take a little longer to bake. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time as needed.

4. Can I add frosting?
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you prefer frosting, try a light buttercream or whipped cream topping for extra indulgence.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Easy French Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that’s simple to make but offers rich, buttery flavor with every bite. It’s a recipe that everyone should try at least once, and once you do, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Easy French Butter Cake

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Ingredients:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Make the Batter:
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Bake the Cake:
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed.
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch, if desired.