Dessert

French Butter Cake Recipe

Name: French Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup whole milk, room temperature; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought); Fresh raspberries or currants (optional); Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

ByHarper Ellington November 28, 2025November 28, 2025

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Introduction

French Butter Cake is a rich and tender dessert that combines the simplicity of classic butter cake with the elegance of French baking. Perfect for gatherings, this cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light finish.

The image shows several square pieces of soft yellow cake arranged neatly on a white plate. Each piece has a light dusting of powdered sugar on top, giving the surface a fine white texture. On top of each cake square, there is a small dollop of white whipped cream, smooth and fluffy in appearance, crowned with a single bright red raspberry. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and elegant contrast to the warm tones of the cake and the vibrant red of the raspberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh raspberries or currants (optional)
Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan, and line it with parchment paper if you prefer an easy release.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined—take care not to overmix.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
If you prefer a moister cake, substitute half of the whole milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Fresh fruit toppings can be varied with strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches depending on the season.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To keep it moist, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if desired before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several square pieces of light yellow cake with a soft texture, each topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream. On top of the whipped cream, there is one red raspberry on each piece. The cake edges are cleanly cut, and the tops are dusted with a thin layer of white powdered sugar. The cake squares are placed on a round white plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit or reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown but not burnt.