Classic French Butter Cake

If you’re a fan of buttery, tender cakes, you’re in for a delightful treat with the Classic French Butter Cake! This elegant yet simple dessert is the ultimate comfort food, boasting a rich and moist texture that melts in your mouth. The best part? This cake comes together in a jiffy, making it perfect for family gatherings or last-minute celebrations. Fun fact: French baking often draws inspiration from the region’s rich butter production, which is a big reason why this cake is so decadently delicious! Just picture serving a slice to your loved ones as they gather around the table, enjoying the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen. If you love classic recipes like our Moist Vanilla Cake, you’re sure to cherish this one too! Let’s dive into the world of French baking together and make this scrumptious cake a staple in your dessert repertoire!

What is Classic French Butter Cake?

So, what’s the deal with this fancy-sounding Cake? With a name like Classic French Butter Cake, you might think you’re stepping into a chic Parisian pastry shop, but let me assure you: it’s all about comfort. Imagine butter—glorious, creamy butter—blended into a cake that feels like a warm hug! Ever heard the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, this cake might just help you discover that yourself! Legend has it that this cake became a favorite in French households because it’s just too hard to resist that buttery goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it every day. So why not roll up your sleeves and give it a whirl?

Why You’ll Love This Classic French Butter Cake

1. Unparalleled Flavor: The main highlight of the Classic French Butter Cake is its rich buttery flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. Each bite transports you to a French café, making your taste buds dance with joy.
2. Cost-Saving Benefits: While a slice of cake from a high-end bakery might cost a pretty penny, making this luscious butter cake at home can save you quite a bit. It requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen!
3. Customizable Indulgence: The beauty of this cake is in its versatility! You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. It can also serve as the base for creative frostings, like a zesty lemon glaze. If you love this, be sure to check out our Spongy Lemon Cake for another fun twist!

So, are you ready to embark on this delightful baking journey? Grab your apron and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!

How to Make Classic French Butter Cake

Quick Overview

Making Classic French Butter Cake is an effortless endeavor that results in a decedent dessert. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of around 40 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic cake in no time! The steps are straightforward, making it a delightful experience for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

Key Ingredients for Classic French Butter Cake

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, fully blending each egg before adding the next. Toss in the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

What to Serve Classic French Butter Cake With

This butter cake stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing it with some delightful accompaniments! Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream add complementary flavors and textures that enhance the overall enjoyment. An aromatic cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk also makes for a perfect pairing!

Top Tips for Perfecting Classic French Butter Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This creates a smoother batter and a fluffier texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Remember, a toothpick inserted should come out clean but may have a few crumbs.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store your Classic French Butter Cake, make sure it’s completely cooled. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, this cake can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again. When reheating, a quick warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes will revive that fresh-baked taste.

So, are you ready to create this Classic French Butter Cake? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!

Classic French Butter Cake

A delightful and buttery cake that is perfect for family gatherings or last-minute celebrations, offering a rich and moist texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Bakery, Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs Use room temperature eggs.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk Milk should be at room temperature.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, fully blending each egg before adding the next. Toss in the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and do not overmix once flour is added. Store the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.