French Butter Cake – Rich, Golden & Elegantly Simple

Golden French butter cake sliced and served on a plate with powdered sugar and berries.
Elegant French Butter Cake—rich, golden, and perfect for brunch or dessert.
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What Is French Butter Cake?

French Butter Cake is a classic dessert celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb. Often described as a delightful cross between pound cake and coffee cake, it offers a satisfying density without being overly heavy. The cake’s simplicity is part of its charm—it’s commonly served plain, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, or accompanied by fruit compote for a touch of brightness. Its golden crust and soft interior make it a comforting treat, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, French Butter Cake delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Its versatility and elegance have earned it a cherished spot in French patisserie and home kitchens alike.

Origins & Cultural Significance

French Butter Cake draws inspiration from traditional French baking techniques that emphasize quality ingredients and refined textures. It’s especially popular in regions like Brittany and Normandy, areas renowned for their rich, high-fat butter made from grass-fed cows. This regional pride in dairy elevates the cake’s flavor and authenticity. While it shares similarities with Italian Butter Cake, the French version is notably more delicate and less sweet, focusing on balance rather than indulgence. The cake reflects the French culinary philosophy of simplicity and sophistication—using minimal ingredients to create maximum flavor. Often passed down through generations, it’s a staple in family gatherings and local bakeries. Its understated elegance makes it a favorite for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions, embodying the essence of French comfort baking.

Ingredient Overview

French Butter Cake relies on a handful of high-quality ingredients to achieve its signature flavor and texture. The core components include:

  • Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and depth
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and structure
  • Eggs (room temperature): Ensure smooth blending and stability
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances aroma and flavor
  • Cake flour: Creates a fine, tender crumb
  • Baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift
  • Salt: Balances sweetness
  • Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang

Optional toppings elevate the presentation and taste:

  • Powdered sugar: For a classic finish
  • Fresh berries: Add color and freshness
  • Whipped cream or crème fraîche: Offer creamy contrast

Tip: Use European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content, for a deeper, more authentic flavor. This small upgrade can significantly enhance the cake’s richness and mouthfeel. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced dessert that’s both indulgent and refined.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Prep: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and easy release.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and achieving a tender texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold the sour cream into the wet mixture. This adds moisture and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness and enriching the texture.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, slice and serve. Garnish with powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream if desired.

This method yields a beautifully golden, moist cake with a delicate crumb—perfect for any occasion.

Texture & Flavor Notes

French Butter Cake boasts a buttery, moist texture with a subtle tang from sour cream. Its golden crust gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior that feels luxurious without being heavy. The flavor is balanced—not overly sweet—making it an ideal companion to coffee or tea. The cake’s simplicity allows the richness of the butter and the gentle lift from the baking powder to shine. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, each bite offers a comforting blend of warmth and elegance that defines classic French baking.

Golden French butter cake sliced and served on a plate with powdered sugar and berries.

French Butter Cake – Rich, Golden & Elegantly Simple

This French Butter Cake is a classic, golden dessert with a tender crumb and deep buttery flavor. Inspired by traditional French baking, it’s made with simple ingredients—real butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—yet delivers luxurious results. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a refined dessert table, this cake is subtly sweet, moist, and beautifully golden. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Brunch, Dessert, Tea Time
Cuisine French
Servings 10 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Sifter
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Kitchen scale (recommended)

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream or crème fraîche

Flavor Variations (Optional):

  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • 1 tbsp dark rum
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream
  • Use browned butter for nutty depth

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  • Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until light and airy.
  • Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
  • Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in sour cream until fully incorporated.
  • Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool & Serve: Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Slice and serve plain or with toppings.

Notes

  • Use European-style butter for richer flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Room temperature eggs blend better and help with rise.
  • Sifting flour ensures even texture.
  • Wrap tightly for freezing; thaw before serving.
  • Mini cakes: Bake in muffin tins for 20–25 minutes.
Keyword brunch cake, buttery dessert, French butter cake, pound cake alternative, Sour Cream Cake, tea cake