Moist French Butter Cake Recipe

French butter cake recipe is a classic dessert originating from France, known for its soft, moist texture and rich, buttery flavor.

This French Butter Cake Recipe focuses on simple ingredients like eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla to create a delicate cake that melts in the mouth.

The main purpose of this French butter cake recipe is to offer a comforting, elegant treat that can be enjoyed with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.

This guide presents clear steps to prepare the cake, along with ideas for serving, tips for enhancing flavor, health benefits, variations, storage advice, and solutions to common baking challenges.

About This French Butter Cake Recipe

This French butter cake recipe delivers a rich, buttery flavor balanced by gentle sweetness and a soft, tender texture. The cake melts in the mouth, offering a delicate, slightly golden crust that enhances the flavor.

Key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and a touch of vanilla extract. Butter provides richness, eggs give structure, and milk ensures moisture.

Vanilla adds a fragrant aroma that complements the cake’s natural sweetness. The result is a light, flavorful dessert that is both comforting and elegant.

How To Prepare French Butter Cake Recipe?

To make this French butter cake recipe turn out perfectly, we’ll go through each step carefully. I’ve explained the process clearly so it’s easy to follow, with tips to ensure a soft, moist, and buttery cake.

I’ve also shared helpful kitchen tools, though you can still make this cake successfully with basic equipment. Even simple tools will help create a delightful, classic dessert.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9-inch round
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make French Butter Cake Recipe

1. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Beat softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and finishing with the flour. Stir gently until smooth and free of lumps.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with fruit, tea, or coffee.

Notes: Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing. You can dust the top with powdered sugar or lightly brush with apricot glaze for a classic French touch.

Nutrition Facts Of French Butter Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Sugars	18 g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This French butter cake recipe is a must-try because it delivers a soft, tender crumb with a rich buttery flavor that feels luxurious without being complicated.

The balance of simple ingredients creates a cake that is both light and indulgent, making it enjoyable for any time of day.

French butter cake recipe can be served on its own, with tea or coffee, or paired with fresh fruits and light glazes to enhance its natural sweetness.

Baking this French butter cake recipe allows home cooks to experience a touch of French culinary tradition, offering satisfaction, creativity, and the joy of sharing a classic dessert with friends and family.

Why My Recipe Works

This French butter cake recipe works because the ingredients and method are carefully balanced to create a soft, moist, and flavorful cake.

Softened butter and sugar are beaten until light and airy, ensuring the cake rises properly and has a tender texture.

Eggs provide structure and richness, while a precise mix of flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt maintains the perfect crumb. Gradually adding milk keeps the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming dense.

The baking temperature and time are designed to cook the cake evenly, resulting in a golden top and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth interior every time.

Serving Ideas

French butter cake recipe can be served in many ways to please both guests and family members. Slices work well on their own alongside tea, coffee, or warm milk for a simple, comforting treat.

It can be paired with fruit compote, yogurt, or light custard to enhance flavor naturally. Serving in small portions allows everyone to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

For gatherings, arrange slices on a decorative platter to create an inviting display. This cake also pairs nicely with soft cheeses or a side of fresh fruit, making it suitable for casual family snacks or special occasions alike.

Health Benefits

French butter cake recipe offers more than just indulgent flavor; it can provide several health benefits when enjoyed mindfully. Eggs contribute high-quality protein, vitamin B12, and choline, supporting muscle and brain health.

Butter, used in moderation, supplies essential fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which aid in energy production and overall wellness.

Milk adds calcium and vitamin D, promoting strong bones and teeth. Incorporating fruits or nuts enhances fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, supporting digestion, heart health, and immunity. Controlled portions allow for a satisfying treat without excess calories or sugar.

My Tips For Success!

1. Cold butter or eggs can prevent proper creaming, making the cake dense. Allowing them to soften ensures the butter mixes smoothly with sugar, trapping air for a light, fluffy texture.

2. Precision matters. Too much flour makes the cake heavy, too much sugar can make it overly sweet and collapse. Use a kitchen scale for best results or properly leveled measuring cups.

3. Adding flour and milk in small portions, rather than all at once, prevents over mixing. This technique keeps the batter smooth and avoids a tough, chewy texture.

4. Stir just until the ingredients come together. Over mixing activates gluten in the flour, which can make the cake dense instead of tender and soft.

5. Baking in a properly heated oven ensures the cake rises evenly and cooks through without soggy spots or a dry crust.

6. Use a toothpick or skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Opening the oven too early or under baking can make the cake sink, while over baking dries it out.

Variations

➤ Lemon or Orange Zest Butter Cake – Add 1–2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the buttery flavor.

➤ Almond or Nut Butter Cake – Mix in ½ cup finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a nutty crunch. Almond extract can also be added for extra depth.

➤ Berry Butter Cake – Fold in ½–1 cup fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries. Lightly toss them in flour first to prevent sinking.

➤ Chocolate Marble Butter Cake – Melt ¼ cup dark or milk chocolate and swirl it gently into the batter before baking for a marbled effect and chocolaty richness.

➤ Spiced Butter Cake – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom for a warm, fragrant variation.

Additions For Make More Delicious Ideas

✔ Caramel Drizzle – A light drizzle of caramel over the top adds a sweet, buttery richness that complements the cake’s flavor, making each slice indulgent.

✔ Spices – Adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter creates warmth and depth, giving the cake a cozy, aromatic twist.

✔ Coffee Infusion – Mixing a small amount of espresso or strong coffee into the batter enhances the buttery sweetness with subtle, sophisticated notes.

✔ Coconut Flakes – Toasted or raw coconut folded into the batter adds a delicate crunch and a tropical hint, making the cake more textured and flavorful.

✔ Cream Cheese Swirl – Adding a cream cheese layer or swirl before baking introduces a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery cake, creating a luxurious variation.

Storage Advice

French butter cake recipe can be stored to maintain freshness and flavor with a few simple tips. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to a week. To preserve for extended periods, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap it well and place it in a freezer-safe container.

Thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid storing the French butter cake recipe uncovered, as it can become dry and lose its soft texture.

FAQ For French Butter Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This French butter cake recipe is a simple, healthy, and delightful recipe that I enjoy making and serving every time. The balance of butter, eggs, and flour creates a soft, moist cake that can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or with tea and coffee.

I make this French butter cake recipe to share with family and friends, and each time it brings smiles and satisfaction. Its gentle sweetness and buttery flavor make it comforting and versatile.

I hope you will try making this French butter cake recipe and experience the same joy and deliciousness I enjoy every time.

More Butter Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe | Soft, Sweet, And Nutty

Peanut Butter Cookie Cake Recipe (Chewy Dessert)

Classic Paula Deen Butter Cake Recipe

Nicks Butter Cake Recipe (Best Homemade)

Joanna Gaines Butter Cake Recipe | Best Comfort Dessert