The Ultimate French Butter Cake Recipe You Need

Have you ever craved a slice of cake that’s both incredibly moist and bursting with flavor, but without all the fuss? Well, let me introduce you to my go-to recipe: French Butter Cake. This cake is not only simple to make but delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience every single time.

From start to finish, including cooling time, you’re looking at about an hour. Let’s get baking this amazing French Butter Cake!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This French Butter Cake

This isn’t just any cake, it’s the cake. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Unbelievably Moist Texture: The combination of yogurt and oil creates a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
• Rich, Buttery Flavor: The unique glaze gives it a flavor that mimics a traditional butter cake, even without using butter in the batter.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for busy bakers.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a special dessert, this cake fits right in.

What Makes This a “Butter Cake?”

Now, you might be wondering, “If there’s no butter in the cake itself, why call it a butter cake?” That’s a great question! The magic lies in the glaze. As it soaks into the cake, it creates a rich, buttery flavor that reminds me of the best traditional butter-based cakes. The vegetable shortening in the glaze, combined with the sugars and extracts, work together to create that distinct, comforting taste. It’s a clever twist that gives you all the flavor without the need to cream butter.

Ingredients for French Butter Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful French Butter Cake:

• ½ cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup neutral flavored oil (ie canola, vegetable, sunflower, safflower, avocado or grapeseed)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1½ tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract

How to Make French Butter Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect French Butter Cake in no time.

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Spray a 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray, rub inside surface of pan with a paper towel to cover evenly with the spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and spray parchment paper lightly. Set aside. This ensures the cake releases easily and bakes evenly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs and the vanilla and almond extracts. Whisk until well blended. This creates the base for the cake, ensuring everything is properly mixed for a smooth batter.
3. Add the baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine then add the flour and whisk again just until all of the flour is blended in. This step is crucial for even rising and a tender crumb.
4. Add the oil and stir well. Don’t worry, at first it will seem to separate but keep stirring till smooth. The oil adds moisture, and stirring until smooth ensures it’s fully incorporated into the batter.
5. Pour the batter into prepared pan. Evenly distribute the batter in the pan to ensure a uniform cake.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cake feels springy to the touch and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so keep a close eye on it.
7. While the cake cools a bit, prepare the glaze. Having the glaze ready while the cake is still warm allows it to soak in beautifully.
8. Combine the sugar, vegetable shortening, water and extracts in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until the vegetable shortening is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. Stirring prevents burning and ensures the glaze is smooth and glossy.
9. Using a pastry brush, slowly brush the glaze all over the top of the cake, using about a quarter of the mixture. This initial layer helps to moisten the cake and create a sticky surface for the rest of the glaze.
10. Flip the cake out onto a cooling rack that has been set on top of a sheet of parchment paper or foil. The bottom of the cake will now be the top. Flipping it ensures the glaze covers every part of the cake evenly.
11. Brush the remaining glaze over the top and sides of the cake. Just keep going over the cake till the glaze is gone. Some of it will drip off but most of it will soak in. Allow cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired before serving. The glaze will seep into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions for French Butter Cake

Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or want to try a different approach. Here are some substitutions you can make:

Ingredient	Substitution	Effect on Final Product
All-Purpose Flour	Gluten-Free Blend	May result in a slightly denser texture; adjust baking time as needed.
Granulated Sugar	Brown Sugar	Adds a slight molasses flavor and makes the cake more moist.
Eggs	Applesauce (1/4 cup per egg)	Can make the cake denser; best for those with egg allergies.
Neutral Flavored Oil	Melted Butter	Adds a richer flavor, but the texture may be slightly different.
Yogurt	Sour Cream	Similar tang and moisture; may result in a slightly richer flavor.
Vegetable Shortening	Coconut Oil	Adds a subtle coconut flavor; ensure it’s melted before using.
Extracts	Citrus Zest	A great way to add fresh flavor; adjust amount to taste.

Delicious Variations of French Butter Cake

Want to mix things up? Here are a few of my favorite ways to add a twist to this classic recipe:

• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Orange Extract: Replace the almond extract with orange extract for a different fruity note.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey treat.
• Maple Extract: Use maple extract in the glaze for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl cinnamon sugar into the batter before baking for a warm, spiced cake.
  If you like candy and baking, you may also like to make some Incredible Candy Cookie Bars: Easy Recipe.

Serving Suggestions for French Butter Cake

This cake is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winning combination.
• Lemon Curd: A tangy lemon curd adds a bright contrast to the rich cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• Seasonal Fruit: In the fall, try serving it with sautéed apples or pears.
  For more great recipes like this, consider browsing our bakes & sweets section.

Tips for Perfect French Butter Cake

Here are some extra tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Pan Size: While this recipe is designed for an 8-inch pan, you can use a 9-inch pan for a slightly thinner cake, or a loaf pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
• High-Altitude Baking: Reduce the baking powder by ¼ teaspoon and increase the liquid by 1-2 tablespoons.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and add an extra egg for binding.
• Common Problems: If the cake is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. If it’s sinking in the middle, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.

How to Store Your French Butter Cake

To keep your cake fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

A key aspect of food safety during baking involves being aware that uncooked flour can contain harmful bacteria. You should follow the FDA’s guidelines on handling flour safely to protect yourself and your family.

To further keep your family safe from food poisoning at home, always remember to clean, separate, cook and chill.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my friends! My super easy and delicious French Butter Cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I really hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do! Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are you waiting for? Let me know in the comments below if you tried it and how it went. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!