What makes a traditional French butter cake recipe different from a regular butter cake recipe?

A traditional French butter cake recipe uses a higher butter-to-flour ratio and relies on classic mixing techniques. This creates the dense, rich texture associated with an old fashioned French butter cake rather than the lighter crumb found in standard butter cake recipes.

Is French butter cake from Brittany unique?

Yes, a French butter cake from Brittany is known for its deep buttery flavor due to the region’s exceptional dairy. Many traditional French cakes from this area use European-style butter, which gives French butter cake recipes their signature richness.

Can I adapt this French butter cake recipe like America’s Test Kitchen?

This French butter cake recipe can easily be adjusted using a French butter cake America’s Test Kitchen approach by slightly reducing sugar or adjusting baking time while maintaining the classic structure and flavor.

Are French butter cakes madeleines the same as French butter cake?

French butter cakes madeleines share similar ingredients but differ in shape and texture. Madeleines are lighter and smaller, while a French butter cake is denser and more traditional among classic French cakes.

French Butter Cake Recipe – Classic, Old Fashioned, Buttery 2026

Name: French Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted European-style butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1 large whole egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons whole milk (optional, for softer texture)

Description

A classic French butter cake known for its rich, dense crumb and deep buttery flavor. Inspired by traditional recipes from Brittany, this old-fashioned French cake relies on simple ingredients and high-quality butter to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect with coffee or tea, it’s elegant, timeless, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake):

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) European-style unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 whole egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk (optional, for softer crumb)

For the Top (Traditional Finish):

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk or cream
Optional: pinch of coarse sugar

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then add the whole egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Gradually fold in dry ingredients just until combined. Add milk only if batter feels too thick.

Step 2: Assemble & Score

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Whisk egg yolk with milk and brush gently over the surface.

Using a fork, lightly score a crosshatch pattern on top — a signature look of traditional French butter cake.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Butter Matters: Use high-fat European butter for authentic flavor.
Texture Tip: This cake is meant to be dense, not fluffy.
Serving Idea: Serve plain, with berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Make Ahead: Flavor improves the next day — ideal for advance baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Dessert / Tea Cake
Method: Baked
Cuisine: French (Brittany)