The moment you take a bite of this French Butter Cake Recipe, your taste buds will swoon. Imagine a fluffy, moist cake, dancing with hints of vanilla and the silky smoothness of crème fraîche, all wrapped in the warmth of home-baked goodness. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a slice of heaven served on a plate, perfect for savoring on special occasions or indulging on cozy evenings in.
Reminiscing about my first attempt, I was pleasantly surprised when my kitchen transformed into a delightful haven, filled with sweet aromas that made my neighbors jealous. The anticipation of cutting into this golden layer cake, revealing a creamy center, was almost too much to bear! The best part? This cake is simply irresistible whether you enjoy it plain or elevate it for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.
Why You'll Love This French Butter Cake Recipe
- This incredible French Butter Cake Recipe transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for French Butter Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious French Butter Cake Recipe:
2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s sifted for an airy texture that makes the cake rise perfectly.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – This helps the cake achieve that delightful fluffiness.
1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors splendidly.
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness, blending well with vanilla.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key; it helps in achieving the delicate crumb.
3 large eggs, room temperature – Room temperature eggs mix more easily into your batter, ensuring a uniform bake.
3 teaspoons vanilla extract – The soul of our cake, adding a lovely aromatic flavor.
3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature – Contributes moisture for a luscious final product.
6 ounces crème fraîche, room temperature – Adds richness and complexity to the flavor profile.
1 1/4 cups heavy cream – The base for a lavish whipped topping that complements the cake.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – Helps sweeten the whipped cream to perfection.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This echoes the natural flavors within the cake, unifying the taste.
How to Make French Butter Cake Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious French Butter Cake Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 8-inch cake pans, spray them with baking spray, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. A little extra spray on top ensures your cake slides out effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the baking powder, ensuring a uniform rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you achieve a light, pale, and fluffy mixture. This process introduces air into your batter, setting the stage for a delightful cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Gradually introduce the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, fold in the vanilla extract; this is where the magic of flavor truly begins!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture and the whole milk in two additions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on your countertop to burst any unwanted air bubbles. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet!
Once the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, you can effortlessly turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, heavy cream, sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla until you reach a smooth, fluffy consistency. This luscious mixture is going to blanket your cake with creamy decadence!
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
If the tops of your cake layers are domed, trim them off for a neat stack. On a serving plate, place one layer, adding half of the whipped topping. Gently place the second layer on top and spread the remaining topping over the entire cake. Slice and enjoy this scrumptious masterpiece—you deserve every bite!
This delightful French Butter Cake Recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for any celebration or cozy nights at home. Each slice promises a morsel of joy and indulgence, inviting you and your loved ones to sit down, savor, and make memories together.
You Must Know About French Butter Cake Recipe
- This showstopping French Butter Cake Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting French Butter Cake Recipe Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. This primes your space while you mix your wet ingredients, followed by the dry ones. Finally, combine the mixtures before pouring them into the prepared pans for a smooth baking process.
Add Your Touch to French Butter Cake Recipe
Consider swapping half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor, or add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a delightful citrus twist. Chocolate lovers could also stir in some mini chocolate chips for a decadent variation.
Storing & Reheating French Butter Cake Recipe
Store any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. Reheat by warming slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips for French Butter Cake Recipe
- This professional-quality French Butter Cake Recipe relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Finding the right temperature for your ingredients made all the difference for me. The first time I made this cake, my family actually fought over the last piece!
FAQs About French Butter Cake Recipe
What is French Butter Cake Recipe?
The French Butter Cake Recipe is a delightful and moist cake that’s rich in flavor thanks to its generous use of butter and vanilla. This cake is characterized by its fluffy texture and buttery aroma, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual family dinners. The luxurious cake combines all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, and the star ingredient, crème fraîche, to elevate its taste and moisture level. It’s a classic for good reason!
How can I make my French Butter Cake even more delicious?
To enhance your French Butter Cake, consider incorporating flavors like almond or citrus. You can swap out a portion of the all-purpose flour for almond flour to add nuttiness. A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest will lend a refreshing citrus twist. If you’re a chocolate lover, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter right before baking for an added decadent surprise. The possibilities are endless!
Can I make French Butter Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The French Butter Cake can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare the cake, cool it completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature if you plan to serve it within a day. For longer storage, you can freeze it, wrapped well, for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw completely before serving, and it’ll taste just as fresh!
What is the best way to store leftovers from my French Butter Cake?
To keep your French Butter Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you desire to prolong its shelf life, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply heat it in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready to savor!
Conclusion for French Butter Cake Recipe
In summary, the French Butter Cake Recipe is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings together rich flavors and a moist texture. With a few easy variations and tips, you can customize this cake to your liking. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as an everyday treat, this delightful cake is bound to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try making it today—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Delicious French Butter Cake Recipe with Vanilla and Crème Fraîche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 2 8-inch cake pans with baking spray, lining the bottoms with parchment paper, and spray again.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light, pale, and fluffy.
- Gradually add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans, tapping them lightly against the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist, not wet, crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a bowl, combine crème fraîche, whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla, whipping until smooth and doubled in volume.
- If the cake layers are too round, cut off the tops. Place one layer on a cake plate, apply half of the frosting, secure the second layer on top, then apply the remaining frosting.
- Serve and enjoy!
