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Perfect French Butter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

This Perfect French Butter Cake is a rich and tender classic dessert made with simple ingredients, featuring a moist crumb and buttery flavor. Baked to golden perfection, this cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, offering a buttery, vanilla-scented treat that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain the emulsion and build structure in the batter.
  4. Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined with the batter.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream and mix until the batter is smooth. Do not overbeat to prevent tough gluten development.
  8. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve plain to enjoy the pure buttery flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
  • Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal easier.
  • Whole milk gives a richer taste, but heavy cream can be used for an even richer texture.
  • Letting the cake cool completely allows it to set for better slicing.

Keywords: French Butter Cake, classic cake recipe, buttery cake, vanilla cake, easy baking recipe, homemade cake

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/perfect-french-butter-cake-recipe/