French Butter Cake Recipe

There’s just something magical about a classic French Butter Cake—an irresistible treat with a golden, crackly sugar top and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb beneath. This recipe is one of those beloved treasures that turns simple pantry staples into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re enjoying a slice for breakfast, dessert, or with your afternoon coffee, this cake never fails to bring comfort and joy!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Butter Cake is in its simplicity—each ingredient truly has a starring role. Many of these are probably already in your kitchen, and together they create a cake that’s as comforting as it is elegant.

• Granulated Sugar: Not only sweetens the cake, but also creates that iconic, crackly top when sprinkled before baking.
• Unsalted Butter, melted: The heart of the recipe, giving the cake its rich flavor and tender, moist crumb.
• Eggs (room temperature): Help bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s soft, custardy center.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake with a lovely aroma and warmth, making every bite sing.
• Cake Flour: Lends a fine, fluffy texture—this makes the difference between a good cake and a truly great one!
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake just the right lift, so it’s light yet satisfyingly dense.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and highlights all the other flavors.
• Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for an extra-moist, tender crumb and a gentle tang.
• Extra Sugar (for topping): Sprinkled over the batter, it caramelizes during baking—don’t skip this magical touch!

Variations

One of the best things about a homemade French Butter Cake is that it’s truly a blank canvas—feel free to personalize it to suit your taste, occasion, or dietary style. Here are a few easy ideas for delicious twists!

• Lemon Zest & Almond: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest and a dash of almond extract for a fragrant, sophisticated version.
• Berry Swirl: Gently fold in a handful of fresh raspberries or swirl in a spoonful of berry jam before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of cake flour—just be sure to check your baking powder, too.
• Chocolate Marble: Swirl in two tablespoons of melted dark chocolate for a decadent, marbled French Butter Cake.

How to Make French Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Bring your eggs and sour cream to room temperature for the fluffiest, most even crumb—this little detail makes a world of difference!

Step 2: Make the Buttery Base

In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and melted butter for about a minute until the mixture becomes pale and slightly airy. This will help create that perfect, “can’t-stop-eating-it” texture French Butter Cake is famous for.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, being sure to whisk well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract, filling your kitchen with that warm, inviting scent.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures an especially light and delicate crumb in the finished cake.

Step 5: Mix and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined—no over-mixing! Finish by folding in the sour cream, which transforms the batter into a creamy dream.

Step 6: Fill, Top, and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the surface, then bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crackly.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the French Butter Cake cool in the pan before slicing into neat squares or wedges. This patience pays off—each piece will hold its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth structure!

How to Serve French Butter Cake

Garnishes

French Butter Cake is already stunning with its shimmery sugar crust, but a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of softly whipped cream adds a beautiful and tasty finish. Citrus zest (like lemon or orange) is another easy way to brighten each slice and impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of strong coffee, a cozy tea, or even an after-dinner espresso. For a decadent dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a compote of fresh fruit for a burst of color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunch buffets, cut the French Butter Cake into elegant diamonds or petite squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. Try layering slices with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses, or turn leftovers into a dreamy trifle with custard and jam—it’s a surefire way to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Butter Cake keeps beautifully on your countertop! Just cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and your cake will stay moist and tender for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. The cake will freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for a freshly-baked texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked flavor, pop a slice in a low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes, or give it a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds). It revives the flavor and softens the crumb, making each bite just as delicious as the first day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking something wonderfully simple yet impossibly decadent, this French Butter Cake is bound to become your new go-to recipe. With its melt-in-your-mouth crumb and that dazzling sugar top, it’s the kind of bake that feels like a cozy hug from the oven. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

Print