French Butter Cake + 1 hour
Short introduction
French Butter Cake, or “Gâteau de Beurre,” is a wonderfully rich and moist cake known for its buttery flavor and delicate crumb. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet treat. It’s easy to make and is a delightful way to impress your family and friends.
Why you’ll love it
This cake is incredibly versatile; it’s delicious on its own but can also be dressed up with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it takes only about an hour to make, so you can whip it up quickly whenever you need a tasty dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
- 1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups (156g) cake flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries for serving
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. You can also replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar to give the cake a deeper, caramel-like taste. For a variation, consider adding lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note, or fold in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by browning your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it begins to foam, then transforms into a golden color. You’ll know it’s ready when you smell a delightful nutty aroma and see brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Remove it from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter and 1 cup of sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until just mixed. Finally, add in the sour cream and milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and luxurious.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cake batter into a buttered 9-inch round cake pan, making sure to dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar evenly over the top of the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake is golden and set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
Success tips
To achieve the best results, ensure your butter is browned just right – not too dark! The texture should be light and fluffy. If the cake seems dense, you may have overmixed the batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake.
How to serve
French Butter Cake is delightful on its own but can be beautifully served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh berries. You can also pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but it may alter the taste slightly. If you do, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well and can be made a day in advance. Just remember to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
3. What should I do if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by substituting one cup of all-purpose flour with two tablespoons removed and replacing it with corn starch.
4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it is golden in color, set in the center, and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This cake is rich in flavor due to the butter and sugar, so a small slice goes a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth. Pair it with fruits for added nutrition.
Conclusion
French Butter Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that everyone will love. Its buttery richness and ease of preparation make it a must-try. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and bake this delightful cake today!
Links to related recipes
French Butter Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.25 cups cake flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by browning your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove it from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter and 1 cup of sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until just mixed.
- Finally, add in the sour cream and milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and luxurious.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the cake batter into a buttered 9-inch round cake pan, making sure to dust it with flour.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake is golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.