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French Butter Cake

Decadent French Butter Cake: Your New Favorite Dessert

This French Butter Cake beautifully blends a light texture and tender crumb, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness; can substitute with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, melted; adds richness and moisture; use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • 3 eggs room temperature; contributes structure and moisture; replace with aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
  • 2.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
  • 2 cups cake flour Provides a soft, tender crumb; substitute with all-purpose flour, though the cake may be denser.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder A leavening agent for rise; ensure it's fresh for optimal results.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Balances flavors; omit if using salted butter.
  • 2/3 cup sour cream Adds moisture and a subtle tang; Greek yogurt makes a great substitute.
For the Topping
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Creates a sweet crust on top; brown sugar can be used for a caramel flavor.

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Butter Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of melted unsalted butter. Blend on medium speed for about 1 minute until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 3 room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in 2 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract and blend until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of cake flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
  5. Gently fold in ⅔ cup of sour cream into the batter until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smooth the top, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over it.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  8. Remove from the oven and cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or fresh fruit for a delightful treat. Experiment with flavors by adding fruits or spices for a unique twist.

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