French Butter Cake Recipe
This French Butter Cake is a rich, tender, and buttery dessert with a lightly sweetened topping perfect for any occasion. Featuring a moist texture from sour cream and the delicate flavor of vanilla, this classic baking dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress with its golden crust and soft crumb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (one 9x9-inch cake) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Mix vigorously for about one minute until the mixture becomes light and airy, ensuring a fluffy base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Gently fold the sour cream into the batter to add moisture and a slight tanginess, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Pour and Top Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the dish before slicing into squares and serving. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- For extra flavor, fold in fresh or frozen berries or a pinch of cinnamon into the batter.
- Top with powdered sugar or a light glaze for an elegant finish.
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or oven to refresh the cake’s soft texture before serving.
- This cake can be frozen for up to 2 months if tightly wrapped in plastic and foil; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keywords: French butter cake, easy butter cake, moist cake recipe, classic French dessert, sour cream cake
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/french-butter-cake-recipe/
