French Butter Cake – A Soft, Buttery Classic That Melts in Your Mouth

Few desserts capture the charm of French baking quite like a French Butter Cake. With its soft, cloud-like texture, rich buttery flavor, and delicate dusting of powdered sugar, this elegant cake is a treat you can enjoy at breakfast, tea time, or as a comforting after-dinner dessert. Made from simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, it’s a recipe that delivers both sophistication and nostalgia.

In this article, you’ll discover how to prepare the perfect French Butter Cake, along with pro baking tips, recommended tools, serving ideas, and full SEO-optimized guidance using the keyword French Butter Cake throughout.

What Is a French Butter Cake?

A French Butter Cake—often known in France as Gâteau au Beurre—is a simple, moist, and incredibly tender European-style cake made with high-quality butter, eggs, flour, and sugar. Its soft crumb and rich flavor make it a timeless classic loved all over France. Unlike frosted cakes, a French Butter Cake doesn’t need any decoration beyond powdered sugar, making it a beautiful minimalist dessert.

Why You Will Love This French Butter Cake

• Simple pantry ingredients – nothing fancy, just pure flavor.

• Rich and buttery – real butter gives the cake its authentic French taste.

• One-bowl recipe – minimal cleanup.

• Perfect for any occasion – birthdays, brunches, tea time, or holidays.

• Freezer-friendly – keeps beautifully for later enjoyment.

Ingredients for the Perfect French Butter Cake

Below is the complete list of ingredients you need to make this incredibly soft and fluffy French Butter Cake. Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature

Toppings

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Fresh berries (optional)

• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare your French Butter Cake with professional results, you’ll need:

• A 9-inch (22 cm) round cake pan

• Parchment paper

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Medium mixing bowls

• Rubber spatula

• Fine-mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)

• Cooling rack

Using the right tools ensures your French Butter Cake rises well and bakes evenly.

How to Make French Butter Cake: Step-by-Step 

Here is the full, detailed, beginner-friendly method to bake your French Butter Cake to perfection.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using a mixer on medium speed.
Add the sugar gradually and beat until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

This step is essential — proper creaming gives the French Butter Cake its signature airy texture.

Step 3 – Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition.
This ensures smooth incorporation and prevents the batter from curdling.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

This guarantees even distribution for a perfect rise.

Step 5 – Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk.

For example:

1. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture → mix

2. Add ½ the milk → mix

3. Add another ⅓ of flour → mix

4. Add the remaining milk → mix

5. Add the rest of the flour → mix gently

Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 6 – Pour the Batter and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden

• A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

If your oven browns quickly, you may loosely cover the top with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 7 – Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Once fully cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Add fresh berries or a mint sprig for a beautiful presentation, just like in the photo.

Your French Butter Cake is now ready to enjoy!

Helpful Tips for the Best French Butter Cake

 Use room-temperature ingredients

This ensures smooth mixing and a soft, evenly baked cake.

 Don’t skip the creaming step

Creaming butter and sugar properly is the secret to a fluffy French Butter Cake.

 Use high-quality butter

Since butter is the star ingredient, choose a rich, flavorful brand.

 Avoid overmixing

Mixing too much after adding the flour will create a dense or chewy cake.

 Don’t overbake

Remove the cake as soon as it passes the toothpick test.
A dry French Butter Cake loses its charm.

 Add flavor variations

You can add:

• Lemon zest

• Almond extract

• A splash of rum

• Orange blossom water

These flavors pair beautifully with the cake’s buttery richness.

 Serve with simple sides

French Butter Cake goes wonderfully with:

• Fresh berries

• Whipped cream

• Honey

• Berry compote

• Ice cream

Serving Suggestions

• Warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee

• Chilled with powdered sugar and raspberries

• As a dessert topped with vanilla ice cream

• During tea time with lemon tea or Earl Grey

• On special occasions with fresh fruit sauce

Its simplicity makes it suitable for both everyday treats and elegant gatherings.

How to Store Butter Cake

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Keeps well for 5–6 days, especially in warm weather.

Freezer Friendly

Wrap slices individually in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 315 kcal

• Total Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Sugar: 21 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fiber: 0.5 g

These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.

Why This French Butter Recipe Works

This French Butter Cake recipe delivers consistent results every time because:

• The batter uses a classic French ratio of butter-to-egg-to-flour.

• The method prioritizes airiness through proper mixing.

• The ingredients remain simple, focusing on pure flavor.

• The cake is versatile and pairs well with many toppings.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you will appreciate how reliable, rich, and delicious this French Butter Cake turns out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Butter Cake without a mixer?

Yes — although it requires more effort. Beat the butter and sugar vigorously with a whisk until fluffy.

Q: Can I substitute the milk?

You may use:

• Half-and-half

• Light cream

• Plant-based milk (but the texture may be slightly different)

Q: Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to a tiny pinch.

Q: Can I bake this French Butter in a loaf pan?

Absolutely — bake for 50–60 minutes and check for doneness.

Q: Can I add fruit?

Yes, but use small amounts to avoid making the cake too heavy.
Blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples work well.

Conclusion – Experience the Authentic  at Home

The charm of a French Butter lies in its simplicity. With nothing more than butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, you can create a dessert that is tender, airy, and rich beyond words. Whether served plain with powdered sugar or paired with fresh berries, every slice feels like a warm hug from a classic French bakery.

Now that you have all the steps, tips, and secrets, it’s your turn to bake this French masterpiece.
Try this recipe once, and it will become a favorite in your home — soft, buttery, timeless, and irresistible.