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French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake

French Butter Cake is a timeless classic that delivers a moist, tender crumb with buttery richness that melts in your mouth. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this cake offers unmatched moisture and a subtle vanilla flavor perfect for any occasion. Easy to customize and guaranteed to bake perfectly every time, it fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

  • Unsalted Butter, room temperature – 1 cup (227g)
  • Sugar (Granulated) – 1 cup (200g)
  • Eggs, room temperature – 3 large
  • All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (240g)
  • Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons
  • Sour Cream, room temperature – 1/2 cup (120g)
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preparing Your Ingredients: Start by bringing your unsalted butter and eggs to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and a uniform batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line your cake pan for easy release after baking.
  2. Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and light in texture. This step incorporates air which sets the foundation for a tender crumb.
  3. Adding the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm, aromatic flavor.
  4. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout the cake.
  5. Alternating Flour and Sour Cream: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until the batter is smooth but not overworked to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Baking the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Is Key: Butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temperature for a smooth and even batter.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep the crumb tender.
  • Use Fresh Leavening: Baking powder should be fresh to ensure your cake rises beautifully every time.
  • Quality Butter Matters: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor base.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center to avoid underbaking or dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Butter Cake, classic cake, moist cake, buttery cake, easy cake recipe