I still remember the first time I made French Butter Cake—it was one of those evenings when I wanted something simple but special for the family. I’d stumbled on a beautiful French Butter Cake | 12 Tomatoes recipe while scrolling and thought, “Why not give this classic a try?” My kitchen was busy as usual, with little hands stealing bits of butter and curious noses sniffing the air for what was coming next.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own French Butter Cake at home. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms deserve comfort without complexity!
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened — For that creamy butter cake goodness. No worries if you don’t have unsalted; salted butter works but reduce added salt.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar — Sweet but keeps the moist butter cake balanced.
- 4 large eggs — The glue that holds this traditional French cake together.
- 2 cups (255g) all-purpose flour — Easy to find at your regular grocery store.
- 2 tsp baking powder — Helps your French butter cake rise just right.
- ½ tsp salt — Enhances flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk — My go-to for creamy butter cake richness; you can swap for buttermilk for a tangy twist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract — Adds warmth that your family will love.
If you don’t have buttermilk or whole milk, plain yogurt thinned with milk makes a great budget-friendly alternative. Plus, my family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a twist!
French Butter Cake is a wonderful example that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive or complicated. You’ll probably recognize these staples from your pantry, which means no extra store runs in your busy week! For more inspiration, check out my Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake for another buttery family favorite.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to create that perfectly moist butter cake that’s become a family treasure? Let’s get cooking together step-by-step.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8-inch baking pan for that classic French butter cake crust.
- In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is where your French butter cake starts to build that creamy butter cake texture everyone loves.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This keeps your batter smooth and ready to deliver a moist butter cake every time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into your butter mixture alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in your vanilla extract. This subtle sweetness is what makes this traditional French cake feel so comforting and satisfying.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth it out to make sure the cake cooks evenly — a little tip I learned is that this step guarantees your French butter cake browns just right.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly — that French butter cake aroma is pure comfort!
- When the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, take it out to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Don’t worry if your French butter cake looks a bit puffy; it settles to that perfect moist butter cake texture as it cools.
While it’s baking, perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or steal a moment for yourself. If you want tips on shortcuts and time-saving hacks, I’ve shared some of my discoveries in this French Butter Cake recipe that make the whole process less stressful.
How We Love to Eat This!
This French butter cake has become a family go-to for its everyday simplicity that feels special. The kids devour it when I serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries, which balances out the creamy butter cake richness.
For a quick snack, I pair slices with fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s simple, satisfying, and the kids approve every time. Serve it alongside a hot cup of tea or milk, and you have a perfect little moment to slow down together.
We often bring French butter cake to potlucks – it’s a crowd-pleaser. Friends always comment on the moist butter cake texture and how it tastes like a cozy little secret. Seasonal variations with a splash of lemon zest or a handful of fresh blueberries make it feel fresh and fitting for any time of year.
Don’t toss leftover slices! Toast them gently and spread some jam or Nutella for a tasty mid-afternoon pick-me-up. For more family-friendly sweets that save your sanity, try my Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe or a Halloween No-Bake Icebox Cake for variety.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I get so many questions from fellow busy moms about French butter cake—it’s such a comforting recipe that sparks lots of curiosity. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Is this French butter cake really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! It’s a moist butter cake with richness that packs solid comfort. Pairing it with fruit or a glass of milk rounds out the energy they need for after-school activities.
What if my picky eater won’t try this French butter cake?
Try adding their favorite flavors like chocolate chips or cinnamon into the batter. Sometimes involving kids in baking makes them more willing to try the end result.
Can I meal prep this French butter cake for busy weeks ahead?
For sure! It keeps well for 3 days at room temp, or 5 days chilled. You can even freeze slices individually for quick thawing on busy mornings.
How do I know when my French butter cake is perfectly done?
Look for a golden crust and use a toothpick inserted in the center, which should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If your cake looks slightly cracked or puffed, that’s totally normal.
Can I swap ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes! I’ve experimented replacing milk with almond milk and butter with a plant-based alternative. The moist butter cake texture changes slightly but stays delicious.
Why does my French butter cake sometimes turn out dry?
Make sure to measure flour properly and avoid overmixing, which can toughen the crumb. Keep an eye on baking time too; ovens vary.
Any tips for making this on a really busy day?
Mix dry and wet ingredients in advance and store in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, just combine and bake for your comfy, effortless dessert.
I’ve also found great helpful details on this comforting French dessert cake on America’s Test Kitchen to guide you through perfecting your attempts.
Final Thoughts:
- Using room-temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing
- Adding a little vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra warmth
- Saving time by prepping dry ingredients the night before
My family loves switching it up with a lemon zest twist, chocolate chip surprise, or keeping it classic. My kids are partial to the classic creamy butter cake, while my husband enjoys the version with fresh blueberries baked right in.
I encourage you to make this French butter cake your own comfort food hero. Let it bring peaceful moments to your kitchen amidst the cozy chaos. I hope it becomes a small win for your family’s mealtime rhythm and a gentle reminder that simple, satisfying food can be a powerful source of joy.
If your family enjoys this moist butter cake, you might want to try another favorite like the vanilla bean brown butter cheesecake or the strawberry shortcake cake recipe.
Here’s to many comforting slices shared and smiles at your table! You’ve got this, fellow comfort seeker!
French Butter Cake
A rich and tender French Butter Cake with a delicate crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for dessert or tea time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra moist and flavorful cake, serve slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.