French Butter Cake Recipe

A classic French Butter Cake that’s rich, golden, and tender with a buttery crumb. Perfect for tea time, gatherings, or an authentic French dessert experience.

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Course: Dessert, Tea Cake

Cuisine: European, French

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 50

Cooling Time: 10

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: slices

Calories: 315kcal

Cost: $8

Equipment

1 9x5 inch loaf pan Metal preferred for even browning
1 Stand mixer or hand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
1 Kitchen scale For precise measurements
1 Wire cooling rack Proper air circulation
1 Oven thermometer Ensures correct baking temperature
1 Parchment paper Easy cake removal
1 Offset spatula Smooths batter evenly
1 Digital instant-read thermometer For doneness check

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted French butter Room temperature
¾ cup Granulated sugar
3 large Eggs Room temperature
1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon Baking powder
½ teaspoon Fine sea salt
1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoon Whole milk Can substitute crème fraîche
1 tablespoon Lemon zest Optional
2 tablespoon Sliced almonds For topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour loaf pan, line with parchment.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 min).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla & lemon zest.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt alternately with milk.
Pour batter in pan, smooth top, sprinkle almonds.
Bake 45–55 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 min in pan, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition