Ah, French Butter Cake! Just hearing the name brings back sweet memories. I first stumbled upon this delightful cake during a trip to a cozy little bakery in Paris. I can still remember the buttery aroma wafting through the air as I stepped inside—such bliss! The first forkful melted in my mouth, and I felt like I was on cloud nine. I knew then that I had to recreate this decadent treat in my own kitchen.
What I love most about French Butter Cake is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s the kind of cake that doesn’t judge you for using what’s in your pantry. In my experience, it’s an excellent option for birthday celebrations, afternoon teas, or even just as a little treat to enjoy while catching up on your favorite shows. So, let’s dive into making this scrumptious cake together!
What’s in French Butter Cake?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this cake so divine:
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Using softened unsalted butter ensures the cake is rich and creamy without too much salt. I recommend going for a high-quality brand—trust me, it makes a difference!
Granulated Sugar: This sweet ingredient is essential for adding just the right level of sweetness. If you want to experiment, you could even try using a little brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Eggs: Four large eggs give the cake its structure and keep that texture moist and fluffy. Room temperature eggs are ideal because they mix better with the butter.
Vanilla Extract: Oh, vanilla! This adds a lovely warm flavor that makes everything better. I always opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial when I can—it really elevates the cake.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake! It gives the cake body and stability. Just make sure to sift it with the other dry ingredients to avoid lumps.
Baking Powder: This is the miracle ingredient that helps our cake rise and get that lovely fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Milk: This ingredient adds moisture to the batter and helps bring everything together. I usually go for whole milk, but feel free to substitute with any milk of your choice.
Is French Butter Cake Good for You?
Ah, the perennial question of health! While French Butter Cake isn’t exactly a health food, it does have some redeeming qualities. For one, it’s made with wholesome ingredients and avoids artificial additives.
Butter: While it definitely contributes to the cake’s richness, butter does contain saturated fats. A little indulgence now and then isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re keeping an eye on your fats, moderation is key!
Eggs: Packed with nutrients, they’re a great source of protein. They can also help keep you full!
If you pair this cake with some fresh berries, you add vitamins and fiber to your dessert. So, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoying a slice as an occasional treat is perfectly fine in my book!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
*Serves approximately 8 people*
How to Make French Butter Cake?
Ready to whip up this buttery delight? Let’s do it step by step:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to incorporate as much air as possible.
3. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Just mix until everything is combined—no need to overdo it!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this is always the magical moment of truth!
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Finally, slice and serve as you desire! A little dusting of powdered sugar or a side of fresh berries elevates it beautifully. Enjoy!
Tips for Enjoying Every Bite
– For a fun twist, try adding lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
– Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience—who doesn’t love an a la mode moment?
– This cake is perfect for freezing! If you want to save some for a later treat, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to bake this French Butter Cake! It’s one of those treasured recipes that fills your home with joy and warmth. Trust me, your loved ones will be so grateful for this irresistible treat. So why wait? Put on your apron, turn on some music, and let’s get baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
