Name: French Butter Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, melted); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups cake flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 2/3 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)

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This French Butter Cake is a delightful fusion of coffee cake’s lightness and pound cake’s richness, creating a summer dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Its buttery, tender crumb melts in your mouth, while a touch of sour cream adds a subtle tang and moist texture. With a sprinkle of sugar on top for a delicate crunch, this French Butter Cake Recipe is effortlessly sophisticated yet simple enough for beginner bakers. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh summer berries.

Why You’ll Love This French Butter Cake Recipe

This French Butter Cake is a standout summer dessert, offering irresistible flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Buttery Perfection: Combines rich, buttery flavor with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making it a go-to Butter Cake Recipe.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet finish to a summer dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its subtle sweetness and soft texture make it a hit with all ages.

Ingredients for French Butter Cake

To make this French Butter Cake (serves 9), gather these ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup sour cream
2 tbsp granulated sugar, for topping

Ingredient Tips:

Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control; ensure it’s melted but not hot.
Cake Flour: Creates a softer crumb; all-purpose flour can work but may be slightly denser.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang; full-fat Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
Eggs: Room-temperature eggs blend better for a smooth batter in this Butter Cake Recipe.

How to Make French Butter Cake

Follow these steps to create a delicious French Butter Cake:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup melted butter. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer for 1 minute until light and airy. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, sift together 2 cups cake flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Add Sour Cream: Gently fold in 2/3 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle 2 tbsp granulated sugar evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or serve directly from the dish. Slice and enjoy as a delightful summer dessert.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~350 per serving (based on 9 servings)
Servings: 9

Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 5g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber

Tips for Perfect French Butter Cake

Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the French Butter Cake tender and light.
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to confirm the cake is fully baked; it should come out clean.
Even Sugar Topping: Sprinkle sugar evenly for a consistent, crunchy crust on this Butter Cake Recipe.
Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool briefly to set, but serve warm for the best texture.

Creative Variations for French Butter Cake

Customize this French Butter Cake with these fun twists:

Berry Bliss: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity summer dessert.
Citrus Zest: Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, zesty French Butter.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds for added texture.
Spiced Delight: Mix in 1 tsp cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic Butter Cake Recipe.
Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze for extra sweetness.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This French Butter Cake is a versatile summer dessert that shines with thoughtful presentation. Try these ideas:

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic French Butter Cake look.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Present on a cake stand with fresh berries and mint leaves for a summery vibe.
Slice into squares and serve with coffee or tea for a delightful brunch or afternoon snack.
Add a dollop of fruit compote, like strawberry or peach, for a vibrant summer dessert twist.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the French Butter texture.
Keep Moist: Store with a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture in this Butter Cake Recipe.

FAQs About French Butter Cake

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but the cake may be slightly denser; reduce to 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour for best results.

Can I make this French Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake a day in advance and store covered at room temperature or in the fridge for a quick summer dessert.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
Full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk works well for similar moisture and tang in this Butter Cake Recipe.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease the pan thoroughly and consider lining with parchment for easy removal.

Can I make this French Butter Cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the tender crumb of this French Butter treat.

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Conclusion

This French Butter Cake is a buttery, tender summer dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to elegant gatherings, this French Butter Cake Recipe will satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort. Bake it today and enjoy the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this classic Butter Cake Recipe!