French Butter Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the simplicity and richness of classic French desserts. This cake is known for its moist texture and buttery flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
how to make French Butter Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and melted butter for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Mix well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until fully mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
how to serve French Butter Cake
French Butter Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
how to store French Butter Cake
To keep your French Butter Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make French Butter Cake
- Ensure your butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing it with sugar to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Room temperature eggs blend better with the mixture, giving the cake a smoother texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
variation
You can add zest from a lemon or orange to the batter for a refreshing twist. You may also experiment with mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
3. What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, make sure to mix the batter gently and avoid overmixing once you combine the dry and wet ingredients. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh to help it rise properly.

French Butter Cake
A delightful and moist French cake known for its buttery flavor, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and melted butter for about 1 minute until light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sour cream until fully mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a refreshing twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter. Mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
