If you love a dessert that’s simple, elegant, and full of flavor, this French Butter Cake is about to become your new favorite. Think of it as the perfect marriage between a coffee cake and a pound cake—rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, yet quick and easy enough for any day of the week.
This cake is made with basic pantry staples, so you can whip it up in minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy morning treat with coffee or a sweet finish to a dinner party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Buttery & Rich: That unmistakable golden, buttery flavor is the star of the show.
- Tender Crumb: Soft and delicate, each bite practically melts away.
- Everyday Ingredients: No specialty items—just sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and a few extras.
- Quick Prep: Ready for the oven in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugar and melted butter for about 1 minute until slightly airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract. - Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing. - Fold in Sour Cream
Gently incorporate sour cream until smooth. - Bake
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with the extra 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Variations
- Add Fruit: Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries work beautifully.
- Spiced Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for cozy flavor.
- Fancy Finish: Top with powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or chocolate ganache.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use cake flour for the lightest, most tender crumb (all-purpose works in a pinch).
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake soft.
- Test doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
In a Nutshell
This French Butter Cake is pure comfort—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and absolutely irresistible. From a quiet Sunday morning to a special gathering, it’s the kind of dessert that works for any occasion.