French Butter Cake Recipe

I absolutely adore this French Butter Cake Recipe because it feels like a little piece of everyday luxury right at home. It’s unbelievably simple yet offers that rich, buttery flavor paired with a delicately tender crumb that melts in your mouth. I love how it’s perfect for any occasion—whether I’m hosting a casual coffee catch-up, treating my family after dinner, or packing a sweet surprise for a picnic. This cake always brings warmth and comfort, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to dessert recipes.

Why You'll Love This French Butter Cake Recipe

From the very first bite, this French Butter Cake feels like a hug from the inside. What really draws me to this recipe is its exceptionally buttery flavor balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The sour cream adds an irresistibly moist and tender texture that isn’t heavy but still utterly satisfying. Every slice is like a buttery cloud with a lightly crisp sugar topping, creating those contrasting textures I crave in a baked treat.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this French Butter Cake Recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the steps are easy enough that I can whip it up even on a busy weeknight. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed—just classic baking comfort at its best. It bakes up beautifully in a single 9x9 pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy my delicious creation.

I find it’s an incredibly versatile cake that fits many different occasions. Whether I’m hosting friends for afternoon tea, bringing something to a potluck, or wanting a cozy dessert to enjoy with my loved ones, this cake never fails to impress. Its delicate vanilla notes and buttery richness feel so classic yet perfectly special. It’s definitely one of those recipes that always earns compliments and requests for seconds!

Ingredients You'll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients that come together to create something truly delightful. Each one plays a crucial role—from the melted butter adding richness, to the sour cream lending moistness and softness, to the cake flour ensuring a delicate crumb structure. Together, they transform everyday ingredients into an unforgettable French Butter Cake.

• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a slightly crisp topping to balance the tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for maximum richness and buttery flavor without any salty notes interfering.
• Eggs: Bring structure and moisture, helping the cake rise beautifully while keeping it tender.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances the cake’s subtle sweetness.
• Cake flour: Gives the cake a soft, delicate crumb that feels light and airy.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cake for a gentle rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors in the cake.
• Sour cream: The secret ingredient that adds moistness, tenderness, and a slight tang for depth.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a 9x9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture for about one minute until it becomes light and airy—this step makes a big difference in achieving that tender texture.

Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating after each addition so the batter stays smooth and well combined. Follow with the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic note.

Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures your cake has an even texture throughout.

Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the cake, so stop when you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in the sour cream carefully, incorporating it evenly for that moist, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that makes this cake stand out.

Step 7: Pour the batter into your greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly across the surface to create a subtly crunchy crust once baked.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting cleaner.

Servings and Timing

This French Butter Cake Recipe serves approximately 12 to 16 people, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger parties. The prep time is about 10 minutes, which is great for busy days when you want a quick yet impressive cake. Baking takes around 30 to 35 minutes, and cooling time is recommended at least 20 minutes before serving. Altogether, you can expect the entire process to take about an hour from start to finish, perfect for when you want a straightforward dessert that fits into your schedule.

How to Serve This French Butter Cake Recipe

I love serving this French Butter Cake slightly warmed or at room temperature to fully appreciate its buttery aroma and moist texture. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top elevates the presentation and adds a pop of color that makes it feel special. For a bit of extra indulgence, I sometimes drizzle a thin ribbon of honey or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Because the cake’s flavors are gently nuanced, it pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks depending on the occasion. For cozy afternoon tea, a cup of Earl Grey or green tea complements the buttery sweetness wonderfully. If I’m serving it after dinner, I love a glass of lightly chilled dessert wine like Sauternes or a sparkling rosé to add festive sparkle to the table. For non-alcoholic options, a cold glass of milk or a bright citrus-infused sparkling water does the trick!

This cake shines at family gatherings, casual brunches, or as a simple weeknight dessert when you want to treat yourself without fuss. It’s incredibly easy to portion by slicing into small squares—perfect for serving alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter the setting, I find sharing this cake brings such warm, happy energy to the table.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this French Butter Cake Recipe to personalize it for different tastes or dietary needs. For example, swapping the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract gives a lovely twist that brightens the flavor and makes the cake feel unique. Adding a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries folded into the batter is another of my favorite variations—it adds bursts of juicy fruitiness while keeping the cake moist.

If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the cake flour for a gluten-free baking blend, which works wonderfully without compromising texture. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax or chia seed “eggs” and use a dairy-free butter plus coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream alternatives. I’ve found these swaps maintain the rich and tender qualities that make this cake so irresistible.

For something a little different, try baking this batter as individual cupcakes or mini loaf cakes, which can help with portion control and make a charming presentation for parties or gift-giving. You could even experiment with cooking it in a cast-iron skillet to develop a slightly crispier edge and rustic appearance.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover French Butter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If it’s warm or humid, keeping it loosely covered in the refrigerator can extend freshness slightly longer, about four to five days, but I find room temperature storage preserves the best texture. Be sure to protect it from drying out by wrapping it well or using a tight-fitting container.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Reheating

When reheating French Butter Cake, I like to gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or place them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This approach revives that lovely tender crumb and buttery aroma without drying it out. Avoid overheating as it can make the cake dry or crumbly. Serving slightly warm really brings back that fresh-baked magic!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but I recommend replacing 2 tablespoons of every cup with cornstarch to mimic cake flour's lower protein content. This helps keep the cake tender instead of dense. Without this adjustment, the crumb might be slightly firmer but still delicious.

What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

If sour cream isn't available, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute in equal amounts—it provides similar moisture and tang. Alternatively, you could use crème fraîche or even a buttermilk substitute, but these can slightly alter the texture and taste.

How can I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, set to gel), use a plant-based butter substitute melted, and swap sour cream for coconut yogurt or a creamy plant-based alternative. The cake may be a bit denser but still moist and flavorful.

Is it possible to bake this in a larger pan?

You can bake this batter in a larger pan, but the cake will be thinner and may bake faster. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking with a toothpick starting 5-10 minutes earlier to avoid overbaking. For best results, keep the 9x9-inch pan size to preserve the ideal texture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! I love adding chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a crunchy contrast, or dark chocolate chips for a rich, melty surprise. Fold them into the batter gently before transferring to the pan. Just keep the amount moderate to avoid weighing down the delicate crumb.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you try this French Butter Cake Recipe because it’s become one of those timeless treats I always reach for whenever I want something comforting, simple, and utterly delicious. It’s my little secret for baking joy that’s full of buttery goodness and effortless charm. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!

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