Name: 1. How to Make the Best French Butter Cake with Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-491693H19M20S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional); ; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk or cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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Are you tired of dry, lackluster desserts that disappoint after all your baking efforts? The perfect French butter cake with a sumptuous glaze is the answer to your dessert woes. This golden, tender cake literally melts in your mouth with each buttery bite, while the glossy glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. As someone who has been perfecting French pastry techniques for years, I’ve fine-tuned this butter cake recipe to achieve that perfect balance between richness and delicacy that makes French baking so revered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients, mixing techniques for the perfect texture, baking tips for even rising, and creating that picture-perfect glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This French Butter Cake Recipe Works

● Uses simple, high-quality ingredients that transform into something extraordinary
● Requires just one bowl for easy cleanup and beginner-friendly preparation
● Perfect for everyday indulgence or elegant entertaining
● Creates that authentic French patisserie flavor without complex techniques
● Versatile enough to customize with seasonal flavors or keep classically simple

Choosing the Right Ingredients for French Butter Cake

The Butter Makes All the Difference

For an authentic French butter cake, the quality of butter is paramount. Look for European-style butter with at least 82% butterfat content for that melt-in-your-mouth richness. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the salt content precisely. If possible, splurge on cultured butter for that subtle tangy flavor that elevates your cake to patisserie-level excellence.

Flour Selection for Perfect Texture

All-purpose flour works beautifully, but for an even more tender crumb, consider using cake flour. The lower protein content creates that delicate texture that’s characteristic of French cakes. If using all-purpose, be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and toughen your cake.

Sugar and Flavorings

Fine granulated sugar dissolves easily and creates that perfect crumb. For authentic French flavor, add a splash of pure vanilla extract or the seeds from a vanilla bean. A hint of almond extract (just ¼ teaspoon) can add complexity without overwhelming the buttery taste.

Ingredients & Prep for French Butter Cake

1. How to Make the Best French Butter Cake with Glaze

Cake Batter Essentials

Room temperature ingredients (crucial for proper emulsion)
Proper measuring technique (spoon and level flour, don’t pack)
Correct mixing order (creaming butter and sugar first develops structure)

French Butter Cake Ingredients:

2 sticks (1 cup) high-quality unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup whole milk, room temperature

Glaze Components:

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3-4 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step French Butter Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for French Butter Cake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This slightly lower temperature ensures even baking without excessive browning.
Prepare your cake pan: thoroughly grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring you get into all the crevices.
Set out all ingredients 30-60 minutes before beginning to ensure they reach room temperature, especially the butter, eggs, and milk.

Mixing Method for French Butter Cake

In a large bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes pale and airy (about 3-4 minutes). Don’t rush this step—proper creaming creates air pockets essential for a tender cake.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions.
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (begin and end with the flour mixture). Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition—overmixing develops gluten and toughens the cake.

Looking for more elegant dessert ideas? Check out my Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Zesty Orzo for the perfect main course to serve before this stunning cake!

Baking Process for French Butter Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.

Glaze Preparation for French Butter Cake

In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
Add 3 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until smooth. Add additional milk if needed for desired consistency—it should be thick but pourable, like warm honey.
Wait until the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent melting and absorption.

Pro Tips for Perfect French Butter Cake

Achieving the Perfect Texture in French Butter Cake

Never substitute margarine or spreadable butter—only real butter will give you the authentic rich flavor.
For the fluffiest texture, ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before mixing.
When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level with a knife rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup, which compacts the flour.

Essential Tools for French Butter Cake Success

A stand mixer or high-quality hand mixer makes proper creaming much easier.
A good quality Bundt pan with non-stick coating ensures easy release.
A digital kitchen scale for precise measurements (especially helpful if you want to try the European method of weighing ingredients).

Storage & Serving French Butter Cake

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bring frozen slices to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

For more delicious cake and dessert inspiration, check out my Pintere s t collection where I share all my favorite sweet treats and baking techniques!

Flavor Variations for French Butter Cake

Citrus-Infused French Butter Cake

Add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon, orange, or lime zest to the batter
Replace half the milk in the glaze with freshly squeezed citrus juice for a tangy finish

Spiced French Butter Cake

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of molasses for a deeper flavor profile

Berry-Enhanced French Butter Cake

Fold in 1½ cups of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour
Add 1 teaspoon of berry extract to intensify the flavor

Flavor Variation	Key Ingredients	Glaze Recommendation	Best Season
Classic Vanilla	Pure vanilla extract	Traditional powdered sugar	Year-round
Lemon Burst	Lemon zest, juice	Lemon juice glaze	Spring/Summer
Almond Joy	Almond extract, sliced almonds	Almond glaze with toasted nuts	Fall/Winter
Orange Spice	Orange zest, cinnamon	Orange glaze with cinnamon	Winter
Lavender	Culinary lavender	Honey glaze	Spring/Summer

Serving Suggestions for French Butter Cake

Pair with fresh seasonal berries and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
Serve alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
Offer with a cup of French press coffee or Earl Grey tea for afternoon gatherings
For brunch, present small slices with a selection of fresh fruit and yogurt
Create a dessert buffet with various glazed cake slices and complementary sauces

FAQs About French Butter Cake

Can I make French butter cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day, as the flavors have time to meld. Make it up to 2 days in advance, but add the glaze just a few hours before serving for the best appearance.

Why did my French butter cake crack on top?

A crack on top is actually traditional for many butter cakes! It happens when the outside sets before the inside is fully baked. If you want to minimize cracking, you can bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F instead of 350°F) and make sure your oven doesn’t run hot.

Can I substitute the whole milk in this French butter cake recipe?

For the richest flavor, whole milk is recommended, but you can substitute with 2% milk. Plant-based milks will work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different—almond milk works better than other alternatives.

How do I prevent my French butter cake from sticking to the pan?

Be thorough when greasing your pan—use softened butter applied with a pastry brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, then dust with flour. For Bundt pans, a baking spray with flour works wonderfully. Allow the cake to cool for exactly 10 minutes before turning out—too soon and it may break, too late and it may stick.

Conclusion

The perfect French butter cake with glaze is truly one of life’s simple pleasures—a testament to how a handful of quality ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinarily delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something special on an ordinary day, this cake brings a touch of French patisserie magic to your table. The buttery crumb, tender texture, and perfect glaze create a dessert that’s impressively elegant yet comfortingly familiar. I hope you’ll try this recipe and experience the joy of creating and sharing this classic French delicacy. Your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma, and your guests will be asking for your baking secrets. Happy baking!

How to Make the Best French Butter Cake with Glaze