Name: French Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 3 large eggs; 2½ tsp vanilla flavoring; 1 tsp almond flavoring (optional); 2 cups cake flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; ⅔ cup sour cream; ¼ cup sugar (for topping)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that’s both decadently buttery and perfectly tender, this French Butter Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to make your dessert dreams come true. It’s a simple, yet elegant cake that showcases the richness of butter alongside the subtle hints of vanilla and almond, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl filled with smooth, pale yellow cake batter with a creamy texture, swirled gently in the center, sitting on a white marbled surface. The batter looks thick but soft and glossy, evenly spread inside the bowl with slight traces of batter clinging to the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s truly amazing about this French Butter Cake Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each component plays a vital role in creating that soft, rich texture and the signature buttery flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.

1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping with a tender crumb.
1 cup unsalted butter (melted): The star of the recipe, providing a moist, rich base and that classic buttery taste.
3 large eggs: Adds structure, moisture, and richness.
2½ tsp vanilla flavoring: Infuses warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
1 tsp almond flavoring (optional): Brings a delicate nutty aroma that beautifully complements the butter.
2 cups cake flour: Ensures a light, tender texture without being heavy.
2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise for fluffiness.
1 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
⅔ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, helping keep the cake soft.
¼ cup sugar (for topping): Creates a subtle, sweet crust on top when baked.

How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Grease your 8 or 9-inch square cake pan with cooking spray to make sure the cake releases easily after baking. This initial step is crucial because it sets the stage for the perfect bake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar together on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This part is where your cake starts coming to life—the sugar helps aerate the butter, creating a base that will give your cake that tender crumb we all love.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla and almond flavorings. These flavorings infuse the batter with subtle layers of warmth and nutty sweetness that become more pronounced during baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate small bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Overmixing here will toughen your cake, so gentle is the way to go.

Step 5: Fold in Sour Cream Gently

To keep the batter light and moist, fold in the sour cream carefully. This step adds a fabulous tender texture and just the right amount of tang to balance the sweet richness.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the ¼ cup of sugar evenly on top. This sugar topping caramelizes during baking, forming a delightfully crisp crust that contrasts with the soft cake beneath.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cake at 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing; this resting time helps the cake settle and enhances its texture.

How to Serve French Butter Cake Recipe

A single square piece of light golden sponge cake sits on a white plate, showing a soft and airy texture with tiny holes all over. On top of the cake is a swirl of white whipped cream crowned with a red strawberry half and two fresh blue blueberries. Around the base of the cake on the plate, there are additional whole blueberries and a whole strawberry with green leaves. In the background, more slices of the same cake are visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This French Butter Cake Recipe is simply stunning on its own, but if you want to add a little flair, fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar work beautifully. Whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavor without overpowering the delicate buttery taste.

Side Dishes

The buttery richness of this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salads or light yogurt to balance the richness and keep things fresh and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, cut the cake into small squares and arrange on a decorative platter, topped with edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds for some crunch. You can even serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover French Butter Cake Recipe tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out while preserving its luscious buttery flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm again, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300ºF) for 5 to 10 minutes. This will bring back that just-baked softness and enhance the buttery aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this French Butter Cake Recipe. It provides similar moisture and tang, though the texture might be slightly different, but equally delicious.

What type of cake flour should I use?

Use a fine, soft cake flour if possible. This ensures the cake stays tender and light. Avoid all-purpose flour as it may make the cake denser than intended.

Is almond flavoring necessary?

No, almond flavoring is optional in this recipe. It adds a lovely warm note, but if you prefer to skip or don’t have it on hand, the vanilla will shine beautifully on its own.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients for a larger cake. Just be sure to use a larger pan or split it between two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Avoid underbaking as the texture may be too wet.

Final Thoughts

This French Butter Cake Recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. I hope you give this lovely cake a try soon and enjoy all the buttery, tender goodness it brings to your table. Trust me, once you bake this, it will become your go-to cake for celebrations and cozy nights alike!