Name: Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 56 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cake that’s buttery, tender, and downright irresistible, you’ve gotta try this Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe. Honestly, this cake has been a go-to anytime I want something simple yet elegant that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). It’s got that melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right amount of sweetness, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Stick around because I’m going to spill all my best tips to help you nail this cake perfectly the first time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of butter, sour cream, and vanilla gives the cake a rich, subtly tangy flavor that feels fancy without fuss.
Tender, Fluffy Texture: Sifting the cake flour and gently folding in sour cream ensures a light crumb that’s tender and never dry.
Simple Steps, Reliable Results: It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require intimidating techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Subtle Sugary Topping: Sprinkling extra sugar on top creates a delicate sweet crust that adds a little extra texture and sparkle.

Fluffy French Butter Cake, French Butter Cake Recipe, Easy French Cake, Tender Butter Cake, French Dessert - A close-up view of a rectangular black baking pan filled with a light yellow baked cake that has been scored into 12 square pieces. The cake has a crumbly, slightly cracked top layer with a sugar-like texture, revealing a soft, moist inner layer beneath. The edges of the cake are slightly browned, contrasting with the pale center. The pan is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe plays a special role in creating that buttery, moist, and tender crumb we all crave. Picking the right butter and cake flour can really elevate your cake, so I’ll share what I use in my kitchen.

Fluffy French Butter Cake, French Butter Cake Recipe, Easy French Cake, Tender Butter Cake, French Dessert - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with softened unsalted butter, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pale vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of sifted cake flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of thick sour cream, and a small white ceramic bowl with granulated sugar for topping, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to aerate the cake by creaming with butter.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for a rich flavor and moist texture; unsalted lets you control salt precisely.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and lend structure and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
Cake Flour: For a fine, soft crumb—its lower protein content is key to fluffiness.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that lifts the cake nicely without making it dry.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the crumb tender and rich.
Extra Granulated Sugar (for topping): Creates a subtle crunchy crust on top after baking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to make this Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe my own by adding little twists here and there. You can always mix it up depending on your mood or the occasion—it’s a really flexible base to work with.

Citrus Twist: I often add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor, and trust me, it’s like sunshine in every bite.
Berries or Fruit: Fresh or frozen berries folded in before baking add bursts of flavor that balance the richness beautifully.
Diet-Friendly: You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without losing that lovely moisture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Getting Ready – Prep and Mix Butter with Sugar

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish—you want to make sure the cake doesn’t stick and comes off smoothly. Then, in a large bowl, add your granulated sugar and melted butter. Using a hand mixer, blend them together for about a minute until the mixture looks lighter and fluffier. This step is where you infuse the batter with air to keep things light, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Fold in Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so everything blends perfectly. This slow integration prevents curdling and helps the batter stay silky smooth. After the eggs, pour in your vanilla extract—it’s the subtle flavor hero here. Give everything a good mix until everything looks well combined.

Step 3: Dry Ingredients – Sift Carefully

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting here is key—it aerates the flour, removes lumps, and ensures an even rise. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula. The trick here is to mix just until you don’t see dry flour; overmixing can make your cake dense instead of fluffy.

Step 4: Fold in Sour Cream for Moisture

Now, gently fold in the sour cream last. This adds moisture and a lovely subtle tang. Stir carefully so you don’t deflate your batter—light and fluffy is the goal here.

Step 5: Bake with Sugar Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle those last couple tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the surface—the sugar melts and forms a delicate sweet crust that makes this cake something special. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven too much during baking; your cake will thank you!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

After baking, let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. It’s tempting to cut right away, but cooling helps it set for cleaner slices and better texture. Once cooled, cut into generous squares and savor that buttery, fluffy goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe

Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend better and help keep the batter smooth and airy.
Don’t Overmix: Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid a dense cake—a light hand is your friend!
Sift Cake Flour: This step makes a huge difference for cake texture, so don’t skip it.
Let it Cool Fully: Patience here means slices with clean edges and a better mouthfeel.

How to Serve Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe

Fluffy French Butter Cake, French Butter Cake Recipe, Easy French Cake, Tender Butter Cake, French Dessert - A single-layer light yellow cake is shown inside a dark baking pan with a white marbled texture surface underneath. The top layer has a rough crumbly texture with sugar crystals scattered on top, and it is cut into square pieces with one piece missing, revealing a soft, dense inside that is smooth and slightly moist. The cake edges are slightly browned and cracked, contrasting with the pale yellow center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple so the cake shines. A dusting of powdered sugar, or a few fresh berries on the side, works beautifully. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color if you’re feeling fancy. For a comforting finish, whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake goes great with almost any cup of tea or coffee. I also enjoy serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert days when I want a little extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes slice this cake into mini squares and stack them with layers of berries and whipped cream for a rustic cake tower. Another fun idea is to top it with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for a decadent twist that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it out of the fridge is best to maintain that moist texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of this cake wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then stored in freezer bags—works like a charm. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. It keeps surprisingly well and tastes almost as fresh as the day it was baked.

Reheating

To revive a slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it gently in a toaster oven. It softens up nicely and that buttery flavor bounces right back, giving you a quick treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for this recipe?

You can, but cake flour is preferred because it has a lower protein content that makes the cake lighter and more tender. If you only have all-purpose flour, try replacing a couple of tablespoons per cup with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s texture.
Why do I need to use sour cream in the Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and richness of the butter, keeping the cake wonderfully soft and flavorful. It also helps the texture stay tender over time.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake near the end of baking; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent the cake from sinking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help replicate structure and fluffiness.
Is it okay to use salted butter?

If salted butter is all you have, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness and flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy French Butter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire because it’s both simple and elegant—perfect for everything from a casual afternoon coffee to a fancy brunch with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings some buttery, flaky joy to your kitchen and table. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, just like I do!