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Ridiculously Easy French Butter Cake
5 from 36 votes

Ridiculously Easy French Butter Cake

Ridiculously Easy French Butter Cake is a moist cake flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, using yogurt, oil, and eggs for tenderness. It is baked in a round pan and topped with a simple glaze made from sugar, butter, water, vanilla, and almond extract to add sweetness and shine. This straightforward cake combines a tender crumb with a buttery glaze, suitable for casual dessert occasions.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 12
Calories: 237 kcal
Course: Dessert, Cake
Cuisine: French, American

Ingredients

For the cake:
  • ½ cup PLAIN yogurt or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg large
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup neutral flavored oil ie canola, vegetable, sunflower, safflower, avocado or grapeseed
For the glaze:
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter (I use salted)
  • 1½ tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

For the cake:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Spray a 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray, rub inside surface of pan with a paper towel to cover evenly with the spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and spray parchment paper lightly. Set aside
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs and the vanilla and almond extracts. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Add the baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine then add the flour and whisk again just until all of the flour is blended in.
  4. Add the oil and stir well. Don't worry, at first it will seem to separate but keep stirring till smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cake feels springy to the touch and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
  7. While the cake cools a bit, prepare the glaze.
For the glaze:
  1. Combine the sugar, butter, water and extracts in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
  2. Using a pastry brush, slowly brush the glaze all over the top of the cake, using about a quarter of the mixture.
  3. Flip the cake out onto a cooling rack that has been set on top of a sheet of parchment paper or foil. The bottom of the cake will now be the top.
  4. Brush the remaining glaze over the top and sides of the cake. Just keep going over the cake till the glaze is gone. Some of it will drip off but most of it will soak in. Allow cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use baking spray and parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan for easy removal.
  • The glaze should be stirred frequently when heating to avoid burning and ensure smooth texture.
  • Metric measurement conversions are available for accuracy and convenience in preparation.
  • Check doneness by testing the cake's springiness and using a toothpick or cake tester to ensure it comes out clean.

Nutrition Information

Calories 237kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 7g (35%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 142mg (6%) Potassium 103mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 23g (46%) Vitamin A 147IU (3%) Calcium 46mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 237

% Daily Value*

Calories 237kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 142mg 6%
Potassium 103mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 23g 46%
Vitamin A 147IU 3%
Calcium 46mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.