Description
A dense, moist, and buttery homemade French butter cake designed for meal prep. This make-ahead recipe yields five days of delicious lunch slices with a texture that improves overnight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter, line with parchment paper leaving an overhang, and dust with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale yellow and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract with a spatula.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours) before slicing.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough texture. The cake improves in flavor after sitting for a day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/1
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: French butter cake, make ahead lunch, meal prep dessert, homemade cake, buttery cake, office lunch, gluten-free option