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French Butter Cake Recipe

4.9 from 69 reviews

French Butter Cake is a rich and tender cake characterized by its buttery flavor and delicate crumb. This simple yet elegant dessert blends creamed butter and sugar with eggs, vanilla, and flour, then bakes to a golden perfection. Ideal for tea time or a sophisticated dessert, this cake boasts a moist texture and a slightly sweet taste that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Butter Cake

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cake.
  2. Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant flavor.
  3. Folding in Flour: Gradually fold the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Fold gently until just combined to keep the batter light and avoid overworking the gluten.
  4. Baking the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Cooling and Slicing: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the cake from crumbling and helps the texture set properly.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for optimal creaming.
  • Do not overmix the flour once added to keep the cake tender.
  • This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Use room temperature eggs to maintain batter consistency.
  • To store, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: French Butter Cake, buttery cake, vanilla cake, simple cake recipe, classic French dessert, tender cake