There’s something incredibly satisfying about a slice of cake that melts in your mouth, and my journey with French Butter Cake has brought me just that. The moment you take the first bite, the fragrant notes of vanilla and almond wash over you, invoking a sense of comfort that warms the heart. This lovely cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that transforms any gathering into a celebration, capturing the essence of homely indulgence.
A recent Sunday afternoon, I wandered into my kitchen yearning for a dessert that was uncomplicated yet delicious. With only a handful of ingredients and less than an hour to spare, the allure of this French Butter Cake called to me. The delightful richness combined with the lightness of yogurt makes every slice extra special. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply wishing to elevate your afternoon coffee break, this cake is a crowd-pleasing hero that’s just waiting to be made. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why You'll Love This French Butter Cake
- This French Butter Cake is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time.
- The delightful flavors of vanilla and almond create a rich, comforting experience that will impress everyone at your gathering.
- Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a fancy dinner party.
- The beautiful golden color and glossy glaze elevate its visual appeal, making it as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat.
French Butter Cake Ingredients
• Delight in the simplicity of this French Butter Cake recipe with these essential ingredients.
For the Cake
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt – A key ingredient that keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly; feel free to adjust to your taste!
- Large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients while contributing to a rich texture.
- Vanilla extract – The soul of the cake; use pure extract for the best flavor.
- Almond extract – Just a hint elevates the cake’s aromas; if you’re not a fan, you can omit it!
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; sift it for a lighter cake.
- Baking powder – Ensures your cake rises beautifully; always check the expiration date!
- Salt – A tiny pinch enhances the sweetness without being detectable.
- Neutral flavored oil – Adds moistness; opt for canola or sunflower for a neutral taste.
For the Glaze
- Granulated sugar – Sweeten up your glaze; using finely granulated helps it dissolve easier.
- Butter (salted) – Adds richness and flavor to the glaze; you can use unsalted butter if preferred.
- Water – Helps combine the glaze ingredients smoothly; make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla extract – A touch in the glaze brings harmony between the cake and glaze flavors.
- Almond extract – For that extra note of flavor; just a drop goes a long way!
This dreamy French Butter Cake is just waiting to bring a touch of sweetness to your home!
How to Make French Butter Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it lightly, ensuring your cake will release easily after baking.
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Mix the yogurt, granulated sugar, and eggs in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a delightful, creamy base for the cake.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, letting the beautiful aroma infuse your batter, promising a rich flavor in every bite.
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Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed for a perfect rise.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want it tender and fluffy!
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Pour in the neutral oil and mix until the batter is completely smooth, which adds a luscious lightness to the cake.
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Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the glaze by combining the granulated sugar, butter, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Heat the mixture gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally to ensure everything comes together beautifully.
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Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake once it’s out of the oven, allowing it to be absorbed, which makes every bite gloriously sweet and decadent.
Optional: Top with sliced almonds for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
French Butter Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this French Butter Cake recipe and make it your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free version. The cake remains just as tender and moist!
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Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to your batter for a refreshing citrus twist. This brightens the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds before baking for an added texture and bonus flavor. The delightful crunch balances the cake’s softness beautifully.
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Berry Bliss: Incorporate 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity burst. This twist creates an exciting contrast with the rich cake flavor.
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Spiced Delight: Include ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients for a cozy warmth. These spices add a wonderful depth to your cake’s flavor profile.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of the glaze, melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cake for a decadent finish. The sweetness of chocolate elevates the experience to a whole new level!
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Caramel Swirl: Fold caramel sauce into the batter before baking for an indulgent surprise in every slice. The caramel melts into the cake, making it even more irresistible.
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Dairy-Free: Swap yogurt with a plant-based alternative, like coconut yogurt, to make it dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or flavor. Enjoy the cake while catering to dietary preferences!
What to Serve with French Butter Cake?
Create a delightful dining experience around your French Butter Cake with these delicious pairings.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries and blueberries offer a burst of freshness that balances the cake’s richness beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: The light, airy texture of whipped cream adds a luscious touch and complements the cake’s moistness wonderfully.
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Coffee: A serving of rich coffee enhances the cake’s flavors, creating a perfect afternoon pick-me-up moment.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cake adds an indulgent touch for chocolate lovers; it creates a delightful contrast.
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Tea: Light herbal tea or classic Earl Grey can cut through the buttery richness, providing a soothing pairing for dessert time.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream elevates every bite, providing a chilly contrast to the warm cake.
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Lemon Curd: A dollop of tangy lemon curd brightens the palate, creating a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweet, rich flavors.
Hosting friends? Serve the cake with assorted toppings like chopped nuts or even candied ginger for a unique touch. Delight in these pairings—the perfect complement to your sweet, aromatic French Butter Cake!
How to Store and Freeze French Butter Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a chill, keep the cake in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating: To revive the cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes until just heated through.
Make Ahead Options
These French Butter Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them right before baking. Simply refrigerate the mixed wet ingredients (yogurt, sugar, and eggs) and the dry mixture (flour, baking powder, and salt) separately to maintain their freshness and prevent any reaction. On baking day, mix them together, pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake as directed for a delicious cake that’s just as moist and flavorful as if made fresh! For the glaze, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge; just gently reheat it before drizzling for that warm, inviting touch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect French Butter Cake, make sure to mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ones to avoid lumps in the batter.
- A common mistake is overmixing; remember to stir gently until just combined to keep the cake tender.
- When it comes to measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much in.
- Bake the cake at 350°F and keep an eye on it around the 35-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overbake, as ovens can vary in temperature.
- Lastly, let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze so it can soak in beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
French Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of yogurt is best for this French Butter Cake?
Absolutely! You can use either plain yogurt or Greek yogurt for this cake. Greek yogurt adds a bit more creaminess, while plain yogurt gives a lighter texture. Just ensure it’s unflavored to keep the taste balanced.
How should I store my French Butter Cake?
For optimal freshness, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after that, consider refrigerating it tightly wrapped for up to 5 days. Just remember, letting it come to room temperature before serving enhances its flavor!
Can I freeze the French Butter Cake?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, first allow the cake to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, ensuring there’s no air exposure. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best experience, thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What if my cake sinks in the middle?
Very commonly, a sinking middle can happen if the oven temperature is too low, or if the batter is overmixed. To avoid this, make sure your oven is preheated properly and keep a close eye on your cake in the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If you notice any cracks forming, that’s often a sign it’s done!
Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?
While this French Butter Cake includes almond extract for flavor, you can easily substitute it with an extra splash of vanilla extract if needed. This will ensure that those with nut allergies can enjoy a slice without worry!
French Butter Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it lightly.
- Mix the yogurt, granulated sugar, and eggs in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
- Pour in the neutral oil and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze by combining the granulated sugar, butter, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake once it’s out of the oven.
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