Description
A simple yet sophisticated French butter cake featuring a golden, caramelized crust and a tender, moist crumb. Made with just seven pantry staples, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out excess.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid a tough texture. For a perfect crust, brush the pan with melted butter and sugar before pouring batter. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: French butter cake, easy cake recipe, golden crust cake, simple dessert, butter cake, afternoon tea, comfort food