French Butter Cake Recipe – Buttery, Tender, and Irresistible
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, no complicated techniques.
- Incredibly Moist – Butter and sour cream create a rich, tender texture.
- Perfectly Sweet – Light sweetness that enhances the buttery flavor.
- Versatile – Enjoy plain, with fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and a light crust.
- 1 cup butter (melted) – The key to a rich, buttery cake.
- 3 eggs (room temperature) – Provides structure and moisture.
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- ⅔ cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and balances richness.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour – Creates a delicate, fine crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping) – Adds a caramelized crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and melted butter until light and airy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in sour cream until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best French Butter Cake
- Use high-quality butter – European-style butter gives extra richness.
- Room temperature eggs – Helps the batter mix evenly.
- Do not overmix – Overmixing leads to a dense cake.
- Add lemon zest – A teaspoon of zest adds a fresh twist.
- Make ahead – This cake tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic – Enjoy with coffee or tea.
- Dust with powdered sugar – Adds a simple yet elegant touch.
- Top with fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness.
- Serve with whipped cream – A perfect complement to the rich cake.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This French Butter Cake proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The combination of butter, sugar, and sour cream makes it rich yet delicate. Whether you’re making it for yourself or guests, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Try it today and experience the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence!