Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Recipe

Imagine a cake so tender, so rich, and so beautifully simple that it becomes the star of any afternoon tea or celebratory dinner. That’s the magic of this Gluten-Free French Butter Cake. If you think going gluten-free means saying goodbye to decadent, buttery desserts, this recipe is here to change your mind. It’s a classic treat reimagined with a delicate crumb and a flavor that sings of pure indulgence.

I first fell in love with this style of cake during a trip to France, and I was determined to create a version that everyone could enjoy, regardless of dietary needs. The result is a foolproof recipe that promises a perfectly golden, moist cake every single time. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both fancy and comforting, making it ideal for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free French Butter Cake

This isn’t just any cake; it’s a hassle-free path to a spectacular dessert. Here’s why it will become a favorite in your recipe collection:

• Surprisingly Simple: You don’t need any special baking skills. The method is straightforward and forgiving.
• Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the generous amount of butter, this cake stays deliciously moist for days.
• Perfect Texture: We’ve nailed the blend of gluten-free flours to avoid any grittiness, giving you a crumb that’s light and tender.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dressed up with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here’s what you’ll need for this gluten-free French butter cake:

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• 1 ½ cups (185g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe! A few standard kitchen tools will do the trick:

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delightful cake. Remember, having all your ingredients at room temperature is the secret to a smooth, well-emulsified batter.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This ensures your cake will release perfectly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking well helps to aerate the flour and ensure the leavening is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate larger bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy. This step is crucial for building the cake’s structure.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Follow with half of the milk. Repeat, ending with the final third of the flour mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top will be a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patience prevents it from breaking.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cake

A few simple tips can make all the difference between a good cake and a great one:

• Room Temperature is Key: Using room temperature eggs, butter, and milk helps the ingredients blend together seamlessly, creating a smoother batter and a more even rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Choose Your Flour Wisely: Use a reliable gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. It acts as a binder, replacing the gluten.

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, you might find my guide on essential gluten-free baking tips incredibly helpful.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Classic Simplicity: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs.
• Berry Bliss: Top with fresh macerated strawberries or a raspberry coulis.
• Decadent Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fantastic contrast.

FAQs: Your Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Questions Answered

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick and use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. The results are still wonderfully rich.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

My gluten-free cakes are often dense. How can I avoid that?

This is a common concern! Ensuring your leavening agents (baking powder) are fresh and not overmixing the batter are the two most important factors. Also, make sure to measure your gluten-free flour by weight (using a kitchen scale) or by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off—don’t scoop directly from the bag.

Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Adding the zest of one lemon to the batter or swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract are delicious variations that make the cake your own.

A Final Slice of Wisdom

Baking this Gluten-Free French Butter Cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. It proves that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean missing out on life’s sweetest pleasures. So preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of baking butter and sugar. This cake is sure to impress everyone at the table—no one will guess it’s gluten-free! For another delightful gluten-free treat, try my chewy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.