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French Butter Cake

An everyday sweet treat!

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Everyday Butter Cake 9
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that doesn’t require much fuss, then I have just the recipe for you. This French Butter Cake is quick, easy, and downright delicious. I’d describe it as a marriage of coffee cake and pound cake, something we never knew we needed but are so happy to have in our life. It’s buttery (of course), just the right amount of sweet, and has a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients you likely have on hand, making it an ideal last-minute treat when the sweet tooth strikes.

Everyday Butter Cake 10
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Everyday Butter Cake 1
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Everyday Butter Cake 2
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

As you may have guessed, it’s the butter that really sets this cake apart! A whole cup of it. You’ll want to fully melt the butter then cream it with a cup of granulated sugar. Mix for at least a minute to introduce plenty of air into the batter for a light and tender final result. Next up, you’ll add the eggs one at a time, then a generous couple teaspoons of vanilla extract Slowly, mix in those dry ingredients until just combined (overmixing can make for a tough texture!), then fold in the sour cream for a little touch of tang.

Everyday Butter Cake 4
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Everyday Butter Cake 8
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Smooth the batter into a greased baking dish, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top, and pop that beauty in the oven for just over half an hour. Serve it alongside fresh berries or grab a slice with your morning coffee, there’s no going wrong. A cake this tasty doesn’t need frosting! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this French Butter Cake is sure to become a staple.

Everyday Butter Cake 11
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Everyday Butter Cake 12
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Yield(s): Serves 12-16

10m prep time

35m cook time

4.5
Rated by 69 reviewers

Allergens: Eggs, Gluten, Wheat

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you're making mealtime meaningful.
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Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add sugar and butter. Mix for 1 minute or until light and airy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Fold in sour cream.
  6. Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining granulated sugar on top.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow cake to cool before slicing.

Recipe adapted from Buttermilkbysam.com