Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a dessert that feels like a warm embrace? That’s exactly what my French Butter Cake delivers. When I first took a bite of this enchanting treat, the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture whisked me away to a quaint Parisian café where every slice feels like an indulgence. The secret? A luscious layer of brown butter that brings both depth and richness to this delightful cake.
After experimenting with countless recipes, I discovered that the allure of this French Butter Cake lies not only in its simple, everyday ingredients but also in the way it marries buttery flavor with sweet vanilla notes. It’s the kind of cake that disappears within moments at gatherings, leaving behind smiles and whispers of “what’s in this?!”
So, if you’re ready to elevate your dessert game and bring a slice of French elegance into your kitchen, grab your ingredients and let’s bake something unforgettable!
Why is French Butter Cake so special?
Irresistible flavor: The nutty brown butter takes this cake to a whole new level of decadence.
Simplicity at its finest: Crafted from everyday ingredients, this cake is both approachable and impressive.
Versatile variations: Easily customize with lemon zest or nuts for a personal touch.
Perfectly moist texture: The addition of sour cream ensures each bite remains delightfully tender.
Crowd-pleaser for sure: This French Butter Cake is guaranteed to disappear at your next gathering; everyone will be asking for the recipe!
French Butter Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Unsalted Butter – The star ingredient that creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; brown it for an irresistible nutty flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps form a delightful caramelized crust.
• Large Eggs – Essential for structure; remember to bring them to room temperature for the best mixing results.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cake’s sweetness; be generous with 2½ teaspoons for full flavor.
• Cake Flour – Provides a tender crumb; you can swap it for gluten-free flour, though it may alter the cake’s density.
• Baking Powder – Introduces leavening; always use fresh for maximum rise.
• Salt – Balances and accentuates the sweetness beautifully.
• Sour Cream – Contributes moisture and a slight tanginess; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
• Milk – Enriches the texture; feel free to substitute it with a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
For Serving
• Fresh Berries – A burst of flavor that complements the rich cake perfectly; they add a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream – For an extra luxurious touch, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Take indulgence up a notch by pairing with creamy ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
How to Make French Butter Cake
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Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool for about 10 minutes afterward.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar until well combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the vanilla extract, cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
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Incorporate Dairy: Add the sour cream and milk to the batter, mixing until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a well-buttered 9-inch cake pan. Smooth the top, sprinkle with a bit of sugar, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Optional: Top with fresh berries for a delightful contrast!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with French Butter Cake?
Indulging in a slice of French butter cake is like inviting a hug from the inside; let’s enhance that experience with perfect pairings!
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Fresh Berries: The natural sweetness and tartness of fresh berries add a vibrant contrast to the rich, buttery cake. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring a refreshing note that balances the cake’s density.
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Whipped Cream: A luxurious dollop of freshly whipped cream lends a light, airy counterpart to the cake’s dense texture, enhancing each bite with creamy goodness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heavenly combination of hot and cold creates an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist!
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Espresso or Coffee: Complement your slice with a cup of espresso or a robust coffee. The bitter notes perfectly contrast the sugary sweetness of the cake, making for a delightful end to your meal.
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Dark Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some rich dark chocolate sauce over your slice for a decadent twist. The deep chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the nutty brown butter notes.
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Lemon Curd: A smooth, tangy lemon curd brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cake and offering a zesty contrast that awakens your palate.
The right pairing can elevate your experience with French butter cake, turning the moment into a celebration of flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These French Butter Cake delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can brown the butter and combine the dry ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing them tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The wet ingredients, including the eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk, can also be measured and mixed together in a separate container, ensuring everything is ready to go when you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to serve, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures, then pour the batter into your pan and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously rich cake with minimal time spent in the kitchen, perfect for those busy weeknights or gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze French Butter Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor and texture improve as it sits, making it even more delicious!
Fridge: If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, though it may dry out slightly.
Freezer: For extended storage, wrap individual slices of the French butter cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months without sacrificing quality.
Reheating: To enjoy a slice warm, allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight, then heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.
French Butter Cake Variations
Customize your French Butter Cake to make it uniquely yours and bring even more delight to every bite!
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Browning Technique: Instead of just browning the butter, try nutty brown butter; it enhances flavor and adds depth.
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Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rum or brandy to the batter for a delightful kick that elevates the cake’s richness.
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Citrusy Twist: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange for a refreshing brightness that dances on the palate.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a pleasing crunch and a sophisticated touch to the texture.
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Jam Swirl: Swirl in raspberry or apricot jam just before baking for a beautiful visual appeal and a fruit-forward burst of flavor.
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Chocolate Variation: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a decadent chocolaty twist, creating a delightful contrast to the buttery flavors.
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Spice It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with the cake’s sweetness.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs while keeping the cake’s tender crumb.
Expert Tips for French Butter Cake
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Brown Butter Magic: Don’t rush the browning process; take your time to achieve that rich, nutty flavor essential for a superb French butter cake.
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Cool It Down: Allow your browned butter to cool for about 10 minutes before mixing in the eggs to avoid scrambling them.
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Room Temperature Eggs: For the best texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this allows for a better emulsification in the batter.
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring utensils to ensure you’re using the right amounts of flour and sugar; this helps avoid a dense cake.
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Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary! Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to prevent overbaking and keep your cake moist and tender.
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Store Correctly: Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature to maintain its delightful texture; it gets even better over time!
French Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for French Butter Cake?
Absolutely, for this recipe, I recommend using unsalted butter. This allows you to control the saltiness of your cake better. If you want to take it up a notch, brown the butter as described in the recipe—it adds a delightful nutty flavor that makes all the difference!
How should I store leftover French Butter Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you don’t plan to finish it within that time, transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember, the flavor gets even better as it sits!
Can I freeze slices of French Butter Cake?
Yes, you can! For optimal freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. The cake slices can last for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight, and enjoy!
Why is my French Butter Cake dense or gummy?
Very good question! That can happen if the batter is overmixed, especially after adding the flour. Mixing too much can create gluten, resulting in a denser texture. Make sure to stir until just combined when adding the dry ingredients for the perfect tender crumb!
What if I have dietary restrictions? Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly. Additionally, if you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using a plant-based butter and almond or oat milk. Both alternatives will still yield a delicious result!
Are there any ingredients I can substitute in French Butter Cake?
Very! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for moisture and tang. You can also swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk without compromising flavor. Enjoy the freedom to customize!
Irresistible French Butter Cake with Nutty Brown Butter Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool for about 10 minutes afterward.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar until well combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gently stir in the vanilla extract, cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Add the sour cream and milk to the batter, mixing until it's smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour the batter into a well-buttered 9-inch cake pan. Smooth the top, sprinkle with a bit of sugar, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Optional: Top with fresh berries for a delightful contrast!