The Best French Butter Cake You’ll Want Again!
With Mother’s Day coming up, I wanted to test a cake recipe that was delicious, simple, and baked completely from scratch without needing anything overly complicated. Sometimes the best desserts are the ones that remind you of sitting in someone’s kitchen waiting for cake to cool on the counter.
This French butter cake ended up being exactly that kind of recipe. Soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and made the Mother's Day cut for the dessert item I plan to bring. I added the optional lemon zest and sour cream to mine, and I definitely recommend both. The lemon brightens it up just enough while the sour cream keeps the texture super tender.
Here’s what you’ll need:
◽️ 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
◽️ 1 cup granulated sugar
◽️ 2 large eggs
◽️ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◽️ 1 tbsp baking powder
◽️ 1 tsp salt
◽️ 1 tsp vanilla extract
◽️ 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
◽️ 1 tbsp lemon zest
◽️ 1 tbsp sour cream
◽️ Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add 2 eggs one at a time. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp sour cream.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
5. Add half the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then pour in 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Spread batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy.
It’s one of those cakes that tastes even better the next morning with coffee. And if you'd like, top with a little powered sugar first 🤗
What homemade dessert reminds you most of childhood or family gatherings?
#fromscratch #dessertrecipe #bakingfromscratch #lemon8challenge #buttercake
Baking this French butter cake reminded me how effortless it is to create a comforting dessert that brings back warm memories. The key to its tender crumb lies in the combination of softened butter creamed with sugar for enough time to incorporate air, and the addition of sour cream to maintain moisture. I have experimented with this recipe myself and found that using freshly grated lemon zest rather than pre-packaged makes a significant difference, giving the cake a natural, bright citrus aroma that balances the richness perfectly. One tip I learned is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mixing just until combined helps keep the cake soft and prevents it from becoming dense. Also, baking it in a lightly greased 9-inch pan rather than a square dish yields a beautiful presentation with nice golden edges. For a finishing touch, dusting the cake with powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant yet effortless look. Some of my friends enjoy it slightly warmed with a cup of coffee or tea, which enhances the buttery flavor even more. This cake truly improves the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert for celebrations. If you want to customize this recipe, try adding a handful of fresh berries or a drizzle of honey on top. It’s a versatile cake that pairs well with many accompaniments. Overall, this French butter cake feels like a wonderful homemade treat—simple to bake, nostalgic, and impressive enough for family and guests alike.
wow look at that texture! so moist and tender!!! thanks for sharing this homey recipe sister 🫶🏻