Tired of dry, crumbly cakes that leave you reaching for a glass of milk? Say goodbye to disappointment and hello to buttery perfection! This French Butter Cake with Glaze literally melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, velvety experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
With its golden crust, tender crumb, and irresistible buttery aroma, this cake transforms ordinary moments into special occasions. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea or treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, this recipe promises bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Keep reading to discover expert tips for achieving the perfect texture, simple glaze variations, and serving suggestions that will elevate this French classic to new heights!
Why This French Butter Cake Recipe Works
- Uses premium butter for authentic French flavor without fancy techniques
- Requires only pantry staples – no hunting for specialty ingredients
- Simple mixing method prevents over-mixing and tough cake texture
- Versatile enough for breakfast, tea time, or elegant desserts
- The glaze seals in moisture for days of freshness (if it lasts that long!)
Choosing the Right Ingredients for French Butter Cake
Best Butter for This Recipe
The star ingredient of French Butter Cake deserves special attention! European-style butter (with higher butterfat content) creates an exceptionally tender crumb and rich flavor. Look for brands like Kerrygold, Président, or Plugrá for authentic results. If using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon more salt to the batter.
Quality Flour Matters
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, but cake flour creates an even more delicate texture. If using cake flour, increase the amount by 2 tablespoons per cup of all-purpose flour called for in the recipe.
Flavor Enhancers
Pure vanilla extract provides the classic flavor foundation, but consider adding almond extract (¼ teaspoon) or citrus zest (1 tablespoon) to customize your French Butter Cake. Avoid imitation extracts that can leave an artificial aftertaste.
Ingredients & Prep for French Butter Cake
Cake Batter Essentials
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Simple Glaze Components
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Room Temperature Importance
For the perfect French Butter Cake texture, bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures proper emulsion and even air distribution in the batter.
Looking for more delightful dessert inspirations? Browse my Pinterest collection for hundreds of sweet treats that will satisfy every craving!
Step-by-Step French Butter Cake Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for French Butter Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch loaf pan or 9-inch round cake pan.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy (about 1 minute).
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating until pale and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Don’t skimp on this step!
Mixing Method for French Butter Cake
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Beat in vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing will result in a tough cake!
- Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking French Butter Cake
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Check at the 40-minute mark – if the top is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- The cake should spring back when lightly pressed in the center.
Cooling and Glazing French Butter Cake
- Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While cake is still slightly warm, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Pour glaze over warm cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Let glaze set for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect French Butter Cake
Avoiding Dry French Butter Cake
- Measure flour correctly – spoon into measuring cups and level with a knife rather than scooping
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer
- Don’t overbake – a few moist crumbs on your toothpick are preferable to a completely dry one
- Apply glaze while cake is still slightly warm to seal in moisture
Tool Recommendations for French Butter Cake
- Stand mixer or high-quality hand mixer for proper butter-sugar creaming
- Silicone spatula for scraping down bowl and folding in flour
- Light-colored metal baking pan for even browning
- Wire rack for proper cooling
Storage & Freshness for French Butter Cake
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze unglazed cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months
- Add glaze after thawing for the freshest flavor
French Butter Cake Flavor Variations
Citrus Infusions
Add 1-2 tablespoons of citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to the batter and replace some of the milk in the glaze with fresh citrus juice for a refreshing twist on the classic French Butter Cake.
Spice Variations
Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg (½-1 teaspoon) into the batter for a cozy version perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Fold ¾ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter and replace the vanilla glaze with a rich chocolate ganache (½ cup heavy cream heated and poured over ½ cup chocolate chips, stirred until smooth).
| Flavor Variation | Batter Addition | Glaze Modification | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Burst | 2 tbsp lemon zest | Replace milk with lemon juice | Fresh berries |
| Almond Joy | ½ tsp almond extract | Add ¼ tsp almond extract | Toasted sliced almonds |
| Spiced Apple | 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ cup diced apples | Add pinch of cinnamon to glaze | Whipped cream |
| Vanilla Bean | Seeds from 1 vanilla pod | Add vanilla bean specks | Fresh strawberries |
Serving Suggestions for French Butter Cake
- Pair with fresh berries and a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an elegant dessert
- Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat
- For brunch, top warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Create a stunning dessert buffet with sliced French Butter Cake and assorted fruit compotes
This versatile cake shines on its own but can be dressed up for any occasion. Find more inspiring recipe ideas at RecipesFoody.com to complement your French Butter Cake!
FAQs About French Butter Cake
Can I make French Butter Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually improves after a day as the flavors meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the glaze the day of serving for the best appearance.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This typically happens when the cake is underbaked, the oven door was opened too early in the baking process, or the leavening agents were expired. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid opening the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking.
Can I make this cake in different pans?
Yes! The batter works beautifully in a bundt pan (bake for 45-50 minutes), as mini loaves (25-30 minutes), or even as cupcakes (18-20 minutes). Always test for doneness with a toothpick.
How do I know when my French Butter Cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). The cake should also spring back when lightly pressed and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the pan.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about the simple pleasure of French Butter Cake – where premium butter, quality ingredients, and proper technique combine to create a dessert greater than the sum of its parts. Whether enjoyed as a simple slice with your morning coffee or dressed up for a special occasion, this versatile cake delivers consistent joy with every bite.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes your signature dessert! The buttery aroma filling your kitchen alone is worth the minimal effort this recipe requires. Join the thousands of home bakers who have fallen in love with this foolproof French classic.
Now that you’ve mastered this timeless recipe, why not explore more European-inspired treats? Your baking journey is just beginning!
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French Butter Cake with Glaze: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic!
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, velvety, and utterly luxurious — this French Butter Cake with Glaze is the definition of melt-in-your-mouth magic! With its golden crumb, buttery aroma, and silky vanilla glaze, this timeless dessert is elegant simplicity at its finest.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
11. Drizzle over cooled cake and let it set for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add 1 tsp almond extract for a delicate twist.
Top with fresh berries or candied citrus for a Parisian-style finish.
Perfect served with coffee, tea, or as an elegant dessert centerpiece.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg