Why Make This Irresistible French Butter Cake
There’s something truly magical about a homemade cake, especially one that envelops your senses in delightful flavors and aromas. The Irresistible French Butter Cake stands out with its rich buttery taste, tender crumb, and sweet aroma that wafts through the kitchen as it bakes. This cake is perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family gathering, a celebratory party, or simply an afternoon treat with coffee. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and calls for basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
How to Make Irresistible French Butter Cake
Making this French Butter Cake is straightforward, even for novice bakers. You simply blend the right ingredients together, let the oven do its magic, and voila! You have a cake that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy patisserie. With a few simple steps, you’ll create a delicious dessert that impresses everyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly dust it with flour.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential; the more air you incorporate, the lighter your cake will be!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring that everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. It should be smooth and even.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 66g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 6g
How to Serve Irresistible French Butter Cake
This cake is a delightful treat on its own, especially when dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a more decadent experience, consider adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries, which can add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
How to Store Irresistible French Butter Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cake—be sure to slice it first for easy serving later. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible French Butter Cake
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. Soft butter helps create that fluffy texture.
- Measure your flour correctly; use the spoon-and-level method to avoid too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Consider a toothpick test for doneness – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool the cake before slicing. This will help maintain its structure and keep it moist.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon Butter Cake: Replace vanilla extract with lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey treat.
- Nutty Butter Cake: Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cake’s sweetness.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature.
How can I make my cake fluffier?
Make sure to beat the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy before adding eggs. Adding eggs one at a time and incorporating air helps to make a fluffy cake.
Conclusion
The Irresistible French Butter Cake is a classic dessert that marries simplicity with indulgence. Its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb make it suitable for any occasion. Encouraging you to try this recipe will reward you with delightful results that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and variations to make it your own. Happy baking!
Irresistible French Butter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly dust it with flour.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.
- Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.