Ahhh yes 😍 French Butter Cake — also known as Gâteau au Beurre — is a classic French dessert: rich, buttery, tender, and slightly sweet, perfect with coffee or tea. Unlike American butter cakes, it’s more delicate and has a fine crumb.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

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🧈 French Butter Cake (Gâteau au Beurre)

🥣 Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Optional: zest of 1 lemon for subtle flavor

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

• Oven: 350°F (175°C)

• Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round or square pan, or line with parchment.

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2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar

• Beat butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale (about 3–5 min).

• This step is key for a tender crumb.

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3️⃣ Add Eggs

• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

• Beat until fully incorporated.

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4️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5️⃣ Combine

• Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

• Do not overmix — stop when just combined.

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6️⃣ Bake

• Pour batter into prepared pan.

• Smooth the top.

• Bake 35–45 min, until a toothpick comes out clean.

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7️⃣ Cool & Serve

• Cool in pan 10 min, then remove to wire rack.

• Dust with powdered sugar, or glaze with a simple sugar glaze if desired.

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✨ Tips for Perfect French Butter Cake

1. Room temperature butter & eggs → ensures proper creaming.

2. Do not overmix once flour is added → keeps crumb light.

3. Optional flavor twists: vanilla bean, orange zest, or almond extract.

4. Serve plain or lightly glazed — French cakes tend to be subtle, not overly sweet.

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If you like, I can give a “ultra-buttery, melt-in-your-mouth French butter cake” version that’s richer than the classic one and almost feels like a cross between pound cake and a French patisserie cake.