Description
This French Butter Cake, also known as Gâteau Breton, is a rich, tender, and buttery delight with a hint of vanilla and a golden, crisp crust. Simple yet elegant, this classic French dessert melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks (plus 1 extra yolk for glaze)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp dark rum (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and rum (if using).
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms — the texture will be thick like cookie dough.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Whisk the remaining egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water and brush it over the top.
8. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern for a traditional French look.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a classic touch, add a tablespoon of rum or almond extract for flavor depth.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.
This cake keeps beautifully for up to 5 days at room temperature — the flavor gets even better over time.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: french butter cake, gâteau breton, buttery cake, traditional french dessert, easy butter cake