Delightful French Butter Cake for Irresistible Taste

There’s something about a French Butter Cake that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. I remember the first time someone in my family specifically requested this French Butter Cake for a birthday dessert. It wasn’t planned, just a casual comment about wanting something “rich and buttery” paired with a simple tea that night. When I made the cake, the whole family gathered around the table, drawn in by the inviting scent and the dense moist cake texture. Their reactions made me realize why French Butter Cake holds a special place in many kitchens—it’s not just dessert, it’s a reason to come together.

At first, the challenge was getting the balance right. French baking can be tricky with all its little delicate techniques, but this French Butter Cake recipe stays true to a classic butter recipe that’s forgiving yet flavorful. I learned to measure carefully and give the batter just the right amount of love to get that perfect crumb. Now, when I make French Butter Cake, I do so with confidence, knowing it will deliver a flavorful dessert that fills the room with buttery warmth.

What’s wonderful is how this French Butter Cake fits so many occasions. Whether it’s a busy weeknight treat after a hectic day or a special weekend when the family lingers over coffee, it has become a regular at our table. I invite you to try this recipe for your own family—it’s a rich butter cake that’s as easy as it is delicious, and it might just become one of those meal wins you return to again and again.

For those curious about kitchen adventures with French Butter Cake, you might enjoy this classic butter recipe or see how America’s Test Kitchen treasures this French Butter Cake for its balance of dense yet tender crumb.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for French Butter Cake arranged on wooden background

Here’s the ingredient lineup for a French Butter Cake that makes home baking approachable without skimping on flavor. Trust me, this French Butter Cake ingredient list keeps things simple!

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the best French Butter Cake, I recommend using European-style butter when you can. Its higher fat content really brings out the rich butter cake flavor and keeps the texture wonderfully moist.

You’ll find all the ingredients at your regular grocery store, and this French Butter Cake is forgiving if you need to swap whole milk for buttermilk or almond milk in a pinch. My family prefers when I use freshly cracked vanilla beans instead of extract—it adds little pockets of flavor that feel so special.

Another French Butter Cake secret is patience when softening the butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly, which can affect how dense or moist your cake turns out. Getting the butter just right sets up a great base for this flavorful dessert.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this French Butter Cake reminds me of other recipe favorites like homemade buttermilk biscuits that rely on quality butter and simple ingredients for their magic.

How to Make It

Making French Butter Cake is straightforward, but a few tips can help you nail the rich texture and flavor every time.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps incorporate air, which balances the dense moist cake texture of French Butter Cake.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting prevents lumps and helps maintain a light crumb.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently between additions. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop once everything is just combined.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean seeds.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your French Butter Cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your kitchen will smell amazing while this French Butter Cake cooks; that buttery aroma alone makes it a family favorite.

Here’s where I used to mess up my French Butter Cake—I didn’t let the butter soften enough or I overmixed the batter. Now I always remember to cream the butter properly and mix with care. While the French Butter Cake is cooking, you’ll have time to tidy up the kitchen or prepare a cup of tea.

If you want to see this classic butter recipe in action, America’s Test Kitchen shares a great walkthrough you might appreciate.

Serving Ideas

A slice of finished French Butter Cake served with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar

Everyone reaches for seconds when this French Butter Cake comes out with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a splash of fresh berries on top. My family especially loves it warmed slightly with whipped cream or served alongside homemade lemon curd for a tangy contrast.

This French Butter Cake is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying without a fuss. It works well as a weekend treat, special occasion dessert, or to accompany afternoon tea.

For presentation, try slicing the cake into neat wedges and arranging them on a rustic wooden plate. Garnish with fresh mint or a drizzle of honey for a touch of elegance that’s easy to achieve.

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though in my house, there usually aren’t any leftovers! If you do find some, this French Butter Cake toasts nicely for a quick breakfast or snack.

We’ve also tried variations by stirring in citrus zest or a handful of toasted nuts into the batter—both recipes were met with enthusiastic nods at the table.

If your family enjoys this dense moist cake, they might also appreciate other recipe favorites like these Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars or Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Bites for more flavorful dessert options.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this French Butter Cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! I often bake the cake the night before. It stays moist and flavorful, and by morning it tastes even better. Just cover it tightly and store at room temperature.
Q: What if I don’t have European-style butter?
A: Regular unsalted butter works fine. You might notice a slightly less rich flavor, but this French Butter Cake is forgiving. Just avoid using salted butter unless you reduce added salt in the recipe.
Q: Can I use a different milk for this French Butter Cake?
A: Yes, you can substitute buttermilk or even almond milk. Buttermilk gives a slight tang that complements the rich butter cake taste. For almond milk, make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced.
Q: How do I store leftover French Butter Cake?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven.
Q: My French Butter Cake came out dense and a bit dry. What went wrong?
A: Chances are the butter wasn’t softened enough or the batter was overmixed. Be patient with softening butter and mix just until ingredients combine for a moist, tender crumb.
Q: Is this French Butter Cake similar to other butter cakes?
A: It shares traits with other rich butter cakes but stands out because of the French baking technique—especially the balance of dense moist cake texture and buttery flavor.
Q: Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this French Butter Cake?
A: Yes! Adding lemon zest, vanilla bean seeds, or nuts works well. Stick to small amounts to keep the cake’s classic buttery character.
If you want to dive deeper into French baking tips, America’s Test Kitchen’s post on this traditional French butter cake featuring a dense and tender crumb is a great resource.

The Final Word

This French Butter Cake has earned its place in my recipe collection through simple ingredients and reliable results. It captures the richness and texture of a dense moist cake without complicated steps, which fits just right with busy family life.

My French Butter Cake Tips:
Always use room temperature butter for the best creaming results.
Mix batter gently to keep that tender crumb intact.
Let the cake cool before slicing—it makes clean, beautiful pieces.

I’ve tried several variations: a classic vanilla-focused version, a lemon zest addition for brightness, and one with toasted almonds folded into the batter. My kids adore the nutty version, while my partner prefers the pure buttery classic. That’s the joy of this French Butter Cake—you can tailor it for your family’s tastes.

I hope you’ll give this French Butter Cake a spot on your table. It’s a dependable recipe that brings rich flavor and simple pleasure to your family meals. For more easy favorites, check out these homemade buttermilk biscuits to pair alongside or share as a comforting side.

Remember, making this French Butter Cake isn’t about perfection; it’s about sharing a flavorful dessert that turns into cherished moments around your own dinner table. You’ve got this!

Print

French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake is a rich and tender dessert known for its moist texture and buttery flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

  • Author: Vienna Ellis
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve the cake with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its buttery flavor.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!