Description
A rich and tender French Butter Cake with a delicate crumb, buttery aroma, and subtle vanilla notes. Simple to make yet elegant, this cake is perfect with tea or coffee and can be enjoyed plain or with toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all‑purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating 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 wet mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined.
- Pour in the milk or heavy cream and mix until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a citrus twist.
Swap half the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Top with macerated berries and whipped cream for a summery version.
Swirl in melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
Divide into muffin tins for mini cakes.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature while wrapped.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
