Description
An authentic, regional French butter cake featuring a crisp, caramelized crust and a dense yet tender, airy crumb. This elegant dessert relies on high-quality ingredients and proper technique for a rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 225 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 225 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 225 grams (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, line the bottom with parchment paper, and dust the sides with flour, tapping out excess.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until pale and fluffy (5-7 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation before adding the next. If the batter looks curdled, add a spoonful of the flour mixture.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix gently until just combined. Add the milk and vanilla, then mix again. Add the remaining flour and mix until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent the butter from seizing. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough texture. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: French butter cake, regional French recipe, easy cake, butter cake, dessert, baking, Lyon cake, rich cake