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If you adore buttery pastries and have a weakness for melt-in-your-mouth treats, French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) simply has to be next on your baking list. With its golden, crisp sugar crust and sumptuous, dense crumb, this beloved classic is everything you want in a cake—rich, sophisticated, and utterly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee, as a decadent brunch highlight, or dressed up for dessert, French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) brings a little taste of Brittany right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates simplicity—each ingredient pulls weight, contributing to the luscious melt, delicate flavor, or classic sugar-crackled top that defines French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton). Sourcing the best-quality ingredients you can find will make all the difference in the final result.

• Unsalted butter, softened: The heart of the cake, delivering unmatched richness and the signature tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (plus extra for topping): Sweetens, caramelizes on top, and creates that iconic crackly finish—don’t skip the sprinkle before baking!
• Large eggs: Add structure and extra richness, keeping the cake moist and luscious.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a gentle, aromatic depth that uplifts every buttery bite.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for just the right density—neither too heavy nor too light.
• Baking powder: Offers a subtle lift, ensuring the perfect plush texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
• Powdered sugar (for garnish): A pretty finishing touch that adds a hint of elegance when serving.

How to Make French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton)

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This little bit of prep guarantees your French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) slides out effortlessly and looks as stunning as it tastes.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial—it’s where you get all that airy, luxurious texture that makes French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) so irresistible.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and blend until the mixture is silky. Each egg adds richness and structure, while the vanilla brings in that warmly perfumed note you expect from a French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton).

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures even distribution, so every slice bakes up with the right crumb and just the right amount of lift.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing is a no-go for tender results! Spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Finish with a generous sprinkle of extra granulated sugar on top, then bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for at least 20 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and your French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) is ready to serve, irresistibly fragrant and beautifully golden.

How to Serve French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton)

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar always looks elegant and brings a subtle sweetness. For an extra touch, add a scattering of finely grated lemon zest or fresh berries around the plate. If you really want to channel your inner Parisian patissier, a dollop of barely sweetened whipped cream is a dreamy pairing with the buttery cake.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments like hot coffee or an espresso are genuinely perfect here—French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) shines beside something bitter and robust. For a summer brunch, serve with a bowl of fresh, tart fruit salad, or, in the colder months, add a spoonful of fruit preserves or compote for a charming, old-world touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try slicing the cake into slim wedges and serving on a tiered stand for an elegant tea. Alternatively, use a biscuit cutter after baking to create adorable, petite rounds—perfect finger food for a baby shower or brunch. For a modern twist, layer slices with mascarpone cream and berries in little trifle jars—an individual treat with all the sophistication of classic French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, keeping the crumb tender and the crust perfectly crisp. If your kitchen is particularly warm, move leftovers to the fridge after a day to keep things fresh.

Freezing

French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) freezes beautifully! Cool the cake completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a sweet treat, thaw at room temperature—no need to heat, unless you love a warm, just-baked vibe.

Reheating

If you prefer your slice slightly warm (and who could blame you?), pop individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to maintain that delightfully dense, buttery crumb.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can substitute salted butter in a pinch, the classic French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) is best with unsalted, as it lets you control the saltiness and achieve that ideal flavor balance. If using salted, reduce or omit added salt to taste.

What size pan should I use?

This recipe works beautifully with a standard 9-inch round cake pan. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be taller and may need a few extra minutes in the oven; for a larger pan, reduce baking time slightly.

How can I make my crust extra crackly?

The secret is that extra sprinkle of granulated sugar just before baking. It caramelizes into a crisp, shiny top that makes every bite of French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) completely swoon-worthy.

Is this cake gluten-free?

No, traditional French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) contains all-purpose flour. If you want a gluten-free version, try substituting your favorite gluten-free flour blend, but be aware the texture may differ a bit from the classic.

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Absolutely! French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) is a host’s dream. Make it a day ahead so the flavors can develop—even up to two days if kept airtight. Simply add powdered sugar and garnishes just before serving for the freshest look.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in baking something so simple but so exquisite, and that’s exactly what you get with French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton). If you haven’t tried it yet, let the aroma of butter and vanilla tempt you—one slice and you’ll be hooked. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to a true taste of Brittany, right at home.

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