There are some desserts that just feel like a warm hug, and this French butter cake is absolutely one of them. I remember tasting something similar for the first time in a tiny Parisian bakery years ago, mesmerized by how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious. It was just a single layer cake with a sparkly sugar crust, but the rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture were unforgettable. I knew I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen.
This recipe is my tribute to that perfect, simple cake. It’s a wonderfully moist and tender cake with a dense, rich crumb, thanks to a generous amount of butter and sour cream. The best part is the crunchy, crackly topping made from a simple sprinkle of granulated sugar before baking. It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that feels special enough for a celebration but is simple enough for a Tuesday afternoon treat. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why This Cake is a Keeper
- Incredibly Rich Flavor: This isn’t your average vanilla cake. The high butter content gives it a deep, savory, and unmistakably rich flavor that is simply divine. Every bite is pure buttery goodness.
- Amazing Texture: The combination of cake flour and sour cream creates a crumb that is unbelievably soft, tender, and moist. It’s complemented perfectly by the sweet, crackly sugar crust on top, offering a delightful contrast.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Despite its elegant name and bakery-quality taste, this French butter cake is a breeze to whip up. It uses common pantry staples and a straightforward mixing method that any home baker can master.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Dress it up with berries and cream for a special dessert, or enjoy a simple slice with your morning coffee. It’s a versatile classic that never fails to impress.
French Butter Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Experience the simple elegance of a true French Butter Cake. This recipe yields an incredibly moist and tender cake with a rich, buttery crumb, all hidden beneath a delightfully crisp and crackly sugar crust. Deceptively easy to make, this one-bowl wonder is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon treat with coffee to a sophisticated dessert for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and the melted butter. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until light in color. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk briefly to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the sour cream with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your eggs and sour cream are truly at room temperature; this helps create a smooth, uniform batter and a tender crumb. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the last streak of flour disappears to avoid a tough cake. For a simple flavor variation, try adding the zest of one lemon to the sugar and butter mixture for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the cake’s richness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
This recipe proves you don’t need a long, complicated list of ingredients to make something truly special. Here’s a little more about what makes this French butter cake so good:
- Unsalted Butter: This is the star of the show! Using high-quality unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while providing the rich flavor and tender texture that defines a butter cake. Make sure it’s fully melted but not piping hot.
- Cake Flour: While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, cake flour is highly recommended. It has a lower protein content, which results in a finer, softer, and more tender crumb. Sifting it is a must!
- Sour Cream: This is the secret weapon for a moist cake. The acidity in the sour cream also helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour, contributing to that perfect texture. Full-fat sour cream works best.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs are crucial. They emulsify better into the batter, creating a smoother, more uniform structure and a lighter texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation, for the best flavor. It adds a beautiful aromatic depth that complements the buttery notes perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: We use it in the batter for sweetness and on top to create that signature crackly, golden crust. It’s a simple touch that makes a huge difference.
How to Bake the Perfect French Butter Cake
Follow these simple steps for a flawless cake every time. It comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients ready to go!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake starts baking at the right temperature immediately. Generously grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to serve later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and the melted unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix on medium speed for about 1 minute. You want the mixture to become light in color and slightly airy. Next, add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is an important step as it aerates the flour and removes any lumps, which helps create a lighter, more tender cake. Whisk them together briefly to make sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine to Form the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until the flour is *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to a tough cake. Once the last streaks of flour have disappeared, gently fold in the sour cream with a rubber spatula until it is evenly incorporated. The final batter will be thick and creamy.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish and use the spatula to spread it into an even layer. Now for the magic touch! Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create that delicious, crunchy crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cake is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the baking dish on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the cake to set, making it easier to slice cleanly. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Slice into squares and enjoy!
My Favorite Tips for Success
- Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest batter, make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate seamlessly with the butter and sugar, creating a more uniform and tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the most important tip for a tender cake. Once you add the flour, mix only until it’s just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can result in a tough, chewy cake instead of a soft one.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour down, leading to a dry cake. Sifting, as mentioned in the steps, also helps with accuracy and texture.
- Trust the Toothpick: Ovens can vary, so start checking the cake around the 30-minute mark. A wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it has wet batter, it needs a few more minutes. For more simple yet stunning desserts, check out our collection of Cakes.
Creative Twists on a Classic
This French butter cake is a perfect canvas for other flavors. Here are a few simple ideas to change it up:
- Citrus Butter Cake: Add the finely grated zest of one large lemon or orange to the butter and sugar mixture in Step 2. It will add a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Almond Butter Cake: For a nutty, aromatic twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract. You could also sprinkle some slivered almonds on top with the sugar for extra crunch.
- Brown Butter Cake: Before starting the recipe, melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Swirl it occasionally until it foams, turns golden brown, and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before using it in the recipe. This adds an incredible depth of flavor.
- Spiced Sugar Topping: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom into the 2 tablespoons of sugar for the topping. This is especially lovely in the fall and winter. This cake is amazing year-round, but adding some warming spices can make it feel extra special, just like our other Seasonal & Holiday Cakes.
What is French butter cake?
A French butter cake is a simple, single-layer cake known for its incredibly rich, buttery flavor and dense, moist crumb. Unlike layered or frosted cakes, its beauty lies in its simplicity. It often features a slightly crisp, sugary crust and a tender interior, making it a perfect companion for coffee or tea.
What is the most delicious cake in the world?
That’s a tough question, as taste is so personal! However, many people would argue that a perfectly made butter cake is a strong contender. Its appeal comes from perfecting the basics: a deep butter flavor, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a satisfyingly sweet crust. It doesn’t rely on fancy fillings or frostings, proving that simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly exceptional.
What is the traditional French butter cake from Brittany?
You’re likely thinking of the *Kouign-amann* (pronounced ‘kween ah-mon’), which is a famous pastry from Brittany, France. While it’s also known for its butter and sugar, it’s very different from this recipe. The Kouign-amann is a laminated pastry, similar to a croissant, with layers of butter and sugar that caramelize during baking. This French butter cake recipe is a simpler, non-laminated cake, more like a rich pound cake in texture.
What makes a butter cake different?
A butter cake is defined by its primary ingredient and mixing method. It gets its name from the generous amount of butter used, which gives it a distinct richness and tender crumb. Typically, it’s made using the creaming method, where butter and sugar are beaten together to create an aerated base. This technique results in a cake that is dense and moist, unlike lighter sponge cakes which rely on whipped eggs for leavening.
How to Serve and Enjoy
This cake is absolutely wonderful on its own, but here are a few ways to present it if you’re feeling a little extra.
- With Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries provides a beautiful contrast to the cake’s richness. A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top makes it look extra elegant.
- A Dollop of Cream: Serve a slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche. It adds a light, creamy element that is simply perfect.
- Warm with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, gently warm a slice of the cake in the microwave for about 15 seconds and top it with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold cream is heavenly.
- Simple and Sweet: My favorite way to enjoy this French butter cake is the simplest: with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea. It’s the ultimate afternoon comfort. While this cake is baked, it pairs wonderfully with creamy textures. For other ideas, you might get inspiration from our No‑Bake & Cheesecakes section for pairing ideas!
Did You Make This Recipe?
I truly hope you love this French butter cake as much as my family and I do. It’s one of those reliable, comforting recipes that I turn to again and again, and it never fails to bring a smile. It’s proof that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest ones, made with love and good ingredients. Be sure to browse all our other delicious Cakes for more baking inspiration!
I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! If you make this cake, please leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or share a photo on our Facebook page. And of course, save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so you can find it again!
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