Rich, golden, and irresistibly tender, the French Butter Cake Recipe brings a touch of Parisian elegance right into your kitchen! This classic cake melds the pure flavors of creamy butter, fragrant vanilla, and just a hint of sugar in a dense yet delicate crumb. Whether you’re looking for the perfect companion to your morning coffee or hoping to impress guests at a special gathering, this traditional treat is a heartwarming ode to French baking tradition that truly shines in its simplicity.

French Butter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this French Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the cake’s velvety texture, superb moisture, and lovely golden hue. Don’t be tempted to substitute—each piece has an important role in creating a cake that’s as timeless as it is delicious.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The essential ingredient that gives the cake its rich, velvety crumb and unmistakable French flavor.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: For a beautiful, sweet balance and a moist, tender bite throughout the cake.
4 large eggs: Adds richness, structure, and that signature dense-yet-airy texture unique to this cake.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the butter notes and lends lovely aromatic depth.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, soft base to absorb all that delicious butter.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Just enough to lift the cake without making it too airy or light.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony and prevents the sweetness from overpowering.
1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and ensures a gentle, even crumb from edge to center.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty, sweet finish that makes every slice special.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

To ensure an easy release and that beautiful golden crust, start by greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting this prepped first means you can move from mixing to baking without delay—crucial for perfect results!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes. Your aim is a pale, creamy mixture that practically melts together. This step is non-negotiable in any classic French Butter Cake Recipe: it creates those tiny air bubbles that help the cake bake up beautifully tender.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each goes in. You’ll see the batter turn silky and rich with each addition, getting you closer to that signature French butter cake consistency. Blend in the vanilla to infuse your batter with gorgeous aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Now, gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour for a perfectly balanced batter. Mix gently—just until combined—so your cake stays dense but never tough.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for a flawless finish. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be downright irresistible as the kitchen fills with buttery, sweet notes.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the cake rest in its pan for 10 minutes, then gently turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that quintessentially French patisserie touch. Now comes the hardest part: letting it cool enough to slice!

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds instant elegance, but you can go even further: try a few fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color, or a sprig of mint to contrast the buttery richness. For a slightly grown-up touch, a dollop of whipped cream lightly perfumed with vanilla or a splash of rum is divine.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a rich French press coffee, a strong cup of tea, or even a small glass of dessert wine. If you’re serving this at brunch, offer it alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit or some softly whipped crème fraîche to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your French Butter Cake Recipe the star of the table? Cut it into thin wedges and arrange on a rustic wooden board, scatter edible flowers for a whimsical vibe, or stack slices with a spread of lemon curd between layers for an unexpected twist. Mini-cakes, baked in muffin tins, make charming individual desserts for a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your French Butter Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay perfectly moist and flavorful for up to three days—if it lasts that long! The flavors actually intensify on day two, making it even more irresistible.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices in two layers of plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (or for a couple of hours at room temp) before serving, and the texture will bounce right back.

Reheating

While this cake is lovely at room temperature, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a lightly heated oven. This revives the buttery aroma and makes it feel freshly baked—perfection with an afternoon espresso.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just reduce the extra salt in the recipe a little. Keep in mind, though, that traditional French Butter Cake Recipe calls for unsalted butter to really highlight the pure flavor of the butter itself.

Can I add nuts or fruits to this cake?

Absolutely! Finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts, or a handful of dried fruit (like apricot or figs), can add new layers of flavor and texture. Mix them into the batter at the end, but keep additions modest so the butter remains the main event.

What’s the best way to achieve that perfectly golden crust?

Be sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t rush the baking time. Using a light-colored pan instead of a dark one can also help the French Butter Cake Recipe bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden finish without getting too brown on the edges.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different—perhaps a bit more delicate—but the cake will still be delicious and buttery.

Can the batter be made ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the French Butter Cake Recipe as soon as you’ve mixed the batter for optimal rise and texture. If you need to prepare ahead, bake the cake, cool it completely, and store it—this cake truly gets better with a little rest.

Final Thoughts

There’s something absolutely magical about the simplicity and richness of this French Butter Cake Recipe—it’s the kind of timeless dessert you’ll want to bake again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of buttery perfection soon. I can’t wait for you to welcome this classic into your own kitchen!