This French Butter Cake is soft and buttery, making it the perfect sweet treat! Its rich flavor makes it a favorite for tea time or dessert.
It’s super easy to make, and I love how it fills the kitchen with that warm, delicious smell. Nothing beats a slice with a cup of coffee! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: It’s essential for that rich flavor! If you’re out, you can use salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe. My preference is always unsalted, as it gives you better control over the saltiness of the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works great, but if you want a little twist, you could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that it may affect the color and slightly change the texture.
Eggs: They provide moisture and help the cake rise. If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This works well, especially if you want to reduce cholesterol!
Milk or Buttermilk: Whole milk gives richness, but you can swap it with plant-based milk like almond or oat, though the flavor and texture may change slightly. Buttermilk adds a nice tanginess; if you don’t have any, add a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Perfectly?
Creaming butter and sugar correctly is key to a light, fluffy cake. It helps to incorporate air, which makes your cake rise beautifully. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use room temperature butter; it helps to blend easier.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Add the sugar gradually, and keep mixing for about 3-5 minutes until it looks pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
This step is essential, so take your time for the best results!
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Overmixing?
Overmixing can make your cake dense. To avoid this:
- After adding the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated.
- It’s okay if there are a few lumps; just don’t have dry flour spots.
- Try using a spatula to fold instead of the mixer during this step. It’s gentler!
This will help keep your cake light and fluffy!
How to Make French Butter Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or buttermilk
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves or strawberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This French Butter Cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-55 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for at least 15 minutes before enjoying it. Total time from start to finish is around 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring the cake bakes evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step adds air to your batter for a lovely light texture!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, crack in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This helps ensure everything combines nicely. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the milk (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Use a spatula or spoon to mix gently—just until combined—to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool It Down:
Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it maintain that lovely moist texture.
9. Dust and Garnish:
After the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar to give it a sweet finish. If you like, you can decorate it with fresh mint leaves or strawberries for a pop of color and extra flavor.
10. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your delightful French Butter Cake and enjoy it! It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—either way, it’s a treat!
Enjoy your light, buttery French Butter Cake! 🍰
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cake. For the best results, choose a high-quality margarine that’s designed for baking.
How Can I Ensure the Cake Doesn’t Stick to the Pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to thoroughly grease the pan with butter, then dust it with flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection.
Can I Freeze Leftover Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
You can add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor or mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors or add-ins!