Irresistible French Butter Cake

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Delicate, golden, and divinely rich, the French Butter Cake is a dessert that takes simplicity to luxurious heights. With its buttery crumb and slightly crisp edges, every bite melts on the tongue like a whisper of sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or served after dinner with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake has that nostalgic charm that turns ordinary moments into something a little more special.

Traditionally known in France as a “Gateau Breton,” this cake hails from the Brittany region, renowned for its high-quality salted butter. The texture lands somewhere between a shortbread and a pound cake, dense but tender, with a fine crumb that holds together beautifully. It’s an elegant yet approachable treat perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible French Butter Cake

There’s something truly comforting about the simplicity of this cake. With just a few pantry staples and no complicated techniques, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It stores beautifully, meaning you can make it ahead and enjoy slices all week long. The rich butter flavor is perfectly balanced by just enough sweetness to make it satisfying without being overly indulgent.

This cake also pairs effortlessly with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a spoonful of lemon curd for an elegant finish. It’s the kind of recipe you return to again and again because it just works.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Since butter is the heart and soul of this recipe, choosing a high-quality one makes all the difference. European-style butters with higher fat content (like Plugrá or Kerrygold) are ideal for their rich flavor and creamy texture. Salted butter is traditional in Brittany, but if you only have unsalted on hand, just add a pinch of salt to the batter. Avoid margarine or butter substitutes here—real butter is key to achieving the tender crumb and signature taste.

Ingredients for the Irresistible French Butter Cake

The ingredient list for this cake is blissfully short, which means each item plays an important role in achieving that perfect bite. This cake relies on the quality of your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, to bring out its classic richness and delicate structure.

• Butter: The star of the show. Choose high-fat, European-style butter if you can for the best flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form that slight caramelized crust on top.
• Eggs: Give structure and richness. They also help emulsify the batter, giving the cake a smooth, even crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the texture tender but firm. Avoid cake flour, which may make the cake too soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the butter beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out the best in all the other ingredients.

How To Make the Irresistible French Butter Cake

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step aerates the mixture and ensures a tender crumb.

Step 2: Add the Eggs One at a Time

Crack in each egg one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This prevents the batter from curdling and helps it stay smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gently mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want a smooth batter without developing too much gluten.

Step 4: Pour into a Pan and Smooth the Top

Spread the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9-inch round pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing This French Butter Cake

This recipe yields one 9-inch cake, perfect for serving 8 to 10 people. It’s ideal for brunch spreads, tea parties, or weeknight desserts when you want something homemade and satisfying.

To store, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices for easy future treats.

What to Serve With Irresistible French Butter Cake?

Fresh Berries

A handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries gives the buttery cake a bright contrast.

Lemon Curd

For a sweet-tart pop, spread a bit of lemon curd on each slice.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes every bite more luxurious.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The warm cake and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven.

Espresso or Coffee

Bitterness from coffee balances the richness of the cake perfectly.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for a sticky-sweet upgrade.

Roasted Stone Fruit

Peaches, plums, or cherries bring a rustic summer feel to this classic French dessert.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If you love this Irresistible French Butter Cake, you’ll probably enjoy these rich and satisfying cakes too:

• Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For for a citrusy twist.
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake full of nutty goodness.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you love dense, chewy textures.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes when you’re craving spice and creaminess.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a light and chewy bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with berries or go traditional with powdered sugar? Did you use salted butter or go the unsalted route?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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