Description
A rich, tender cake with a shortbread-like texture, this French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) combines buttery decadence with rustic French charm. Perfect for coffee breaks or elegant desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup European-style unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 egg yolk (for glaze)
1 teaspoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
2. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually sift in flour and salt. Mix until dough comes together—it should resemble cookie dough.
4. Press the dough into a greased 9-inch tart or springform pan. Smooth the top and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the remaining yolk with milk and brush over the chilled dough. Score a criss-cross pattern on top.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and edges pull slightly from the pan. Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Use European-style butter for authentic richness.
Chill the dough to help the cake set perfectly.
Best served at room temperature to highlight the buttery texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: French Butter Cake, Gâteau Breton, buttery cake