If you’re looking for something truly special but totally fuss-free, you’ve got to try this Easy French Butter Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake turns out—moist, tender, and just the right balance of buttery sweetness that feels like a warm hug in every bite. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it is, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Stick with me, and you’ll soon have a new favorite to impress friends, family, or yourself on a lazy afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: You’ll appreciate how straightforward the steps are, no fancy equipment required.
Ultra Moist Texture: Thanks to yogurt and butter, the cake stays moist even days after baking.
Buttery Goodness: The unique butter glaze on top takes the cake from good to unforgettable.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you serve it for tea, dessert or a special occasion, everyone goes crazy for it.

A single slice of soft yellow sponge cake with a light, fluffy texture and small air holes fills the center of a white plate with gold trim. The cake has a thin top layer dusted with white powdered sugar and a slightly darker, golden-brown crust around the edges. Next to the cake slice on the plate is a bright pink carnation flower with ruffled petals. In the background, there is a white teapot with a gold handle and pink flowers inside, along with a stack of white plates with gold rims, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - French Butter Cake, easy French cake, moist butter cake, simple French dessert, buttery cake recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients may look simple but they pack such a punch here, creating a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. I always recommend choosing a good quality butter and fresh eggs to really bring out the richness. Also, plain or Greek yogurt works beautifully to keep the crumb tender.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy plain yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, three large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden neutral oil, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a few small cubes of golden salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of almond extract, all arranged with 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 m7354615311229779997 - French Butter Cake, easy French cake, moist butter cake, simple French dessert, buttery cake recipe

Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the cake’s flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweeter cakes are great, but don’t go overboard—this recipe keeps it balanced.
Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs for the best structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: This brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Almond extract: Just a little to add a delicate, nutty note—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Essential for a light, fluffy rise in this cake.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors nicely.
Neutral flavored oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering other flavors.
Butter: I prefer salted butter for the glaze—it adds just the right edge of savory goodness.
Water: Helps create the buttery glaze that makes this cake so addicting.

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.

Variations

I love making this Easy French Butter Cake Recipe my own by tweaking it from time to time. You’ll find that small changes can make it feel fresh every time you bake it — plus, it’s a great canvas for some creative flourishes.

Lemon Zest Variation: Sprinkle some fresh lemon zest into the batter for a bright twist that I adore during spring.
Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great success—just be mindful of baking times.
Add Nuts or Berries: A handful of toasted almonds or fresh berries stirred into the batter adds great texture and pops of flavor.
Vegan Adaptation: Using vegan yogurt and flax eggs works if you want to try a dairy-free option – it’s surprisingly good!

How to Make Easy French Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. I like to do this in a large bowl until it’s silky smooth and creamy—this ensures your cake will have that perfect tender crumb. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; it helps everything combine beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and distributes the baking powder evenly, which means your cake will rise evenly and get that lovely light texture.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Oil

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the oil. You want to fold it gently until just combined. Overmixing is a common mistake here—it can make the cake dense instead of tender. Stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.

Step 4: Bake and Prepare Your Butter Glaze

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). While it’s baking, melt the butter with sugar, water, vanilla, and almond extract on the stove to create that signature buttery glaze. Once the cake comes out of the oven, you’ll drizzle this glaze over while it’s still warm—this step locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor.

Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so the glaze soaks in. This part is pure magic—the cake becomes irresistibly soft and buttery. Then slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy French Butter Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: I learned that letting eggs and yogurt warm up to room temp makes mixing smoother and results in a better rise.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients – a few tiny lumps won’t hurt and will keep the cake tender.
Butter Glaze Timing: Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm to soak up all that buttery goodness perfectly.
Use a Light-Flavored Oil: I avoid olive oil here because it can be overpowering; neutral oils let the cake’s buttery flavor shine.

How to Serve Easy French Butter Cake Recipe

A round cake with a golden brown top dusted evenly with powdered sugar sits on a white plate. Two slices are taken out and placed partly overlapping inside the cake’s empty space, showing a soft, light yellow inside with a slightly shiny texture. Around the plate are clusters of light pink and white flowers and a set of gold forks on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - French Butter Cake, easy French cake, moist butter cake, simple French dessert, buttery cake recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and sprinkle powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top. Occasionally, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey really elevates the experience without masking the subtle buttery sweetness of the cake.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a cup of strong black coffee or a glass of lightly brewed tea is my favorite way to enjoy it. Sometimes, for a brunch gathering, I serve it alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter for a lovely balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered thin slices of this cake with mascarpone and fresh berries to make an elegant trifle. Another fun presentation is cutting the cake into small squares and serving bites on pretty dessert plates with edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays surprisingly moist and fresh because of the buttery glaze. Just keep it away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a ziplock bag. When thawed at room temperature, the texture and taste are almost like fresh-baked, which makes this cake a total keeper for busy days.

Reheating

When I want to enjoy leftover cake warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds. It revives that luscious buttery softness without drying it out. If you want a slight crisp on top, a quick 5-minute toast in a low oven works wonders.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt in the Easy French Butter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Both plain Greek yogurt and regular yogurt work well here. Greek yogurt tends to make the cake slightly denser and richer, while regular yogurt can give a lighter texture. Just make sure you use plain varieties to avoid adding unintended sweetness or flavors.
What’s the best oil to use in this recipe?

Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, sunflower, or grapeseed are excellent. They don’t compete with the buttery flavor and keep the cake moist. I usually avoid olive oil since its strong flavor can overshadow the delicate taste of the cake.
Can I use this batter to make cupcakes?

Yes, you can! Just adjust baking time accordingly—around 18-22 minutes at 350°F should do. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. The butter glaze works wonderfully drizzled on top once cooled.
How long does this cake stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh and moist for about 3 days. Refrigeration isn’t necessary and can dry it out unless you’re in a very warm climate.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy French Butter Cake Recipe enough—it’s genuinely one of those treasures you’ll come back to again and again. Every time I bake it, family and friends keep asking for the recipe or a second slice (sometimes I don’t even share!). If you want an uncomplicated yet incredibly satisfying cake that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, give this one a try. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with the warmest aromas and your heart with simple happiness.