French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake is a simple, rich cake made with butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and a little milk.

Introduction to French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake is a tender, buttery cake that uses common ingredients and simple steps.
If you like easy home cakes, try this one and also check an easy carrot apple snack cake for another simple treat.

Why make this French Butter Cake

Make this French Butter Cake because it is quick, classic, and needs few ingredients.
It gives a soft crumb and a buttery flavor that many people love, and it fits morning coffee or a light dessert.
This rich butter flavor pairs well with savory simple dishes like French Onion Butter Rice for a butter-forward meal.

How to make French Butter Cake

Follow simple steps and you will have a fine, moist cake in under an hour.
Work in a clean bowl and do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.

Ingredients for French Butter Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions for French Butter Cake

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
• 2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• 3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
• 6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
• 7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• 8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• 9. Serve plain or with your favorite frosting or fruit.

How to serve French Butter Cake

Serve French Butter Cake plain or with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light glaze.
You can also pair the cake with other simple desserts like easy vegan peanut butter cup cheesecakes for a varied dessert table.

How to store French Butter Cake

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and keep it in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.

Tips to make French Butter Cake

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
• Do not overmix after adding flour; stop when just combined.
• Test doneness with a toothpick in the center to avoid drying the cake.

Variations for French Butter Cake

• Add lemon zest for a bright, citrus note.
• Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries for a fruit version.
• Swap 1/2 cup flour for almond flour for a nutty texture (note: results change slightly).

FAQs about French Butter Cake

• Q: Can I use salted butter for French Butter Cake?
  A: Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to keep balance.

• Q: How do I make the cake more moist?
  A: Use full-fat milk, do not overbake, and check doneness a few minutes early.

• Q: What pan size should I use and where can I buy one?
  A: A 9-inch cake pan works best for this recipe. Buy it here.

• Q: Can I make this cake in a loaf pan?
  A: Yes, use a loaf pan but adjust baking time; check with a toothpick for doneness.

• Q: Can I double the recipe?
  A: Yes, double and bake in two pans or a larger pan, but watch baking time closely.

French Butter Cake

A simple, tender, and buttery cake that pairs beautifully with coffee or as a light dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine French

Servings 8 pieces

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for even mixing.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs Use room temperature for even mixing.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Reduce if using salted butter.
• 0.5 cup milk Full-fat milk recommended for moisture.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Baking

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

• Serve plain or with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light glaze.

Notes

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.

Keyword buttery cake, cake recipe, easy dessert, French Butter Cake, simple cake