Erin French Butter Cake Recipe is a rich, tender cake known for its deep buttery flavor and golden crust. The first time I felt inspired to make Erin French Butter Cake was during a quiet evening, craving something comforting and homemade.
The main focus of this Erin French Butter Cake Recipe is its simplicity and the quality of ingredients, especially the real melted butter and sour cream that create a moist, velvety texture.
Erin French Butter Cake is incredibly delicious, soft in every bite, with a subtle crunch from the sugar topping. Now I will explain how to make Erin French Butter Cake Recipe step by step.
Why My Recipe Works
This Erin French Butter Cake recipe works because it balances rich ingredients with thoughtful technique.
Melted butter adds deep flavor and a tender crumb without needing creaming. Sour cream gives moisture and a slight tang that enhances taste.
Cake flour creates a fine, soft texture. Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing and rise. Sprinkling sugar on top forms a delicate crust that contrasts the soft interior.
The steps are simple but precise, allowing each ingredient to shine. By combining these elements, the recipe produces a consistently moist, flavorful, and satisfying cake every time.
How To Prepare Erin French Butter Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American (inspired by rustic French baking)
Yield: 10 slices
Calories: Approx. 380 kcal per slice (based on 10 slices)
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup sour cream (full fat)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly dust with flour or use non-stick spray for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined—do not over mix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the surface of the batter. This forms a delicate, crackly sugar crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is, or with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant finish.

How To Serve And Decorating
Once the Erin French Butter Cake Recipe has cooled, cut it into even slices and arrange them on a serving platter. To enhance the look, scatter some fresh fruit such as blueberries or sliced peaches around the cake.
A small spoonful of crème fraise or lightly whipped cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the buttery cake. For added flavor, drizzle a thin stream of warm caramel or a berry sauce over each slice.
This simple approach highlights the Erin French Butter Cake Recipe rich texture while making it inviting and delicious for guests or family to enjoy.
Health Benefits Of Erin French Butter Cake Recipe
Erin French Butter Cake Recipe contains several ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Eggs are a good source of protein and important nutrients like vitamin D and chorine.
Sour cream adds calcium and beneficial fats. Butter provides fat-soluble vitamins such as A and E, which support overall health.
Although the cake contains sugar and refined flour, it also offers energy and satisfaction as part of a balanced diet.
Enjoying this Erin French Butter Cake Recipe in moderation allows you to appreciate its richness while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be a comforting treat that combines taste with some nutritional value.
Pro Expert Tips
● Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
● Melt butter slowly and let it cool slightly before combining with eggs to prevent curdling.
● Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid packing and a heavy cake.
● Mix the batter gently and only until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
● Test the cake with a toothpick at 40 minutes to avoid over baking and maintain moistness.
Variations To Try With Erin French Butter Cake
➤ Lemon Butter Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and replace half the vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice. This gives the cake a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich butter.
➤ Almond Butter Cake: Substitute ½ cup of the cake flour with almond flour and add 1 teaspoon almond extract alongside the vanilla. This adds a nutty depth and moist texture to the cake.
➤ Berry Swirl Butter Cake: Gently fold fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter before baking. The juicy bursts add natural sweetness and pretty pops of color.
➤ Spiced Butter Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These warm spices create a cozy, comforting cake perfect for cooler months.
➤ Chocolate Chip Butter Cake: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter. The melty chocolate adds indulgence while keeping the buttery base intact.
Best Ways To Make More Delicious:
◆ Use Browned Butter: Instead of just melted butter, gently brown the butter before mixing. This adds a nutty, rich depth of flavor that elevates the cake’s taste.
◆ Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a fresh, bright note that balances the richness of the butter.
◆ Fold in Fresh Fruit: Gently fold in fresh berries or diced stone fruit like peaches to add natural sweetness and juicy bursts in every bite.
◆ Enhance with Spices: Add warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to give the cake a cozy, aromatic twist.
◆ Top with a Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze over the cooled cake to add moisture and an extra layer of sweetness.
Storage Tips
To keep Erin French Butter Cake Recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about 4 to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the Erin French Butter Cake Recipe well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw the Erin French Butter Cake Recipe overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Can I Substitute All-Purpose Flour For Cake Flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if cake flour is unavailable. Cake flour has less protein, which creates a lighter, softer crumb.
To mimic cake flour, measure 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift this mixture well before using. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Is Sour Cream Essential For This Recipe?
Sour cream plays a key role in adding moisture, richness, and a subtle tang to the cake. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even buttermilk. These alternatives help maintain the cake’s tender crumb and moist texture.
How Can I Tell When The Cake Is Fully Baked?
Bake the cake until the top is golden brown and slightly cracked, usually around 40 to 45 minutes. To confirm doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Over baking can make the cake dry, so start checking at 40 minutes.
Can I Prepare This Cake In Advance?
Yes, this Erin French Butter Cake Recipe stores well. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Proper storage preserves its buttery flavor and moist texture.
Is It Possible To Add Mix-Ins Like Fruit Or Nuts?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds, or even chocolate chips can be gently folded into the batter before baking.
These additions add flavor, texture, and visual appeal without altering the cake’s buttery richness. Just be careful not to over mix to keep the cake tender.
Conclusion
I am truly happy and enjoyed making this Erin French Butter Cake Recipe. It brought comfort and joy with every bite. I hope you easily understand the steps and ingredients, and now you will feel confident to make it yourself.
This Erin French Butter Cake Recipe is simple yet full of flavor, and I believe you will love the results as much as I did.
Give Erin French Butter Cake Recipe a try, enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share how it turned out. Happy baking and sweet moments ahead!
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Erin French Butter Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick (for doneness test)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup sour cream full fat
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Lightly dust with flour or use non-stick spray for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix just until combined—do not over mix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the surface of the batter. This forms a delicate, crackly sugar crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is, or with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant finish.