Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Recipe

Rich and velvety gluten-free French butter cake represents the pinnacle of delicate dessert crafting.

Bakers passionate about refined sweets understand the magic of upgradeing simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences.

European pastry traditions inspire this delectable creation, blending cultural sophistication with modern dietary considerations.

Smooth textures and buttery depth characterize this remarkable treat that transcends typical dessert expectations.

Refined techniques elevate this cake beyond standard home baking, promising an indulgent experience for discerning palates.

Subtle nuances of technique distinguish this recipe from ordinary confections, making each slice a celebration of culinary artistry.

Professional bakers and home enthusiasts alike will appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and textures.

Why Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Is Rich and Tender

  • Effortless Gluten-Free Delight: This cake offers a simple, delectable solution for those avoiding gluten, proving that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing taste or texture.
  • Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: The luscious cream cheese layer creates a rich, velvety topping that perfectly complements the buttery base, delivering an indulgent experience with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick and Foolproof Baking: With just a few ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can whip up this impressive dessert in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free French Butter Cake

Base Layer Ingredients:
  • Pillsbury Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient mix that ensures a gluten-free foundation with reliable flavor and texture.
  • Butter: Adds rich moisture and helps create a tender cake base with deep golden color.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding for the cake layer, creating a smooth and cohesive texture.
Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, creamy base for the top layer with smooth and rich characteristics.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese topping, creating a silky texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a classic, warm aromatic note that complements the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Help bind and set the cream cheese layer, ensuring a stable and creamy top texture.

How to Bake a Buttery French Cake Without Gluten

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Bottom Layer

In a large mixing bowl, gather these ingredients:
  • Gluten-free yellow cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs

Blend everything until a soft dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom of the baking dish, making sure it’s smooth and covers the entire surface evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Eggs
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer. Use a spatula to spread it out, ensuring complete coverage of the base layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the center of the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top layer looks set but still has a slight jiggle when you move the dish.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. This helps the cake settle and makes cutting easier. Slice into 12 delectable squares.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Keep any leftover cake in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to a week. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature- it’s delicious either way!

Tips for a Moist and Golden Gluten-Free Butter Cake

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for gluten-free cake mix and ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and consistency.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing, helping create a smoother, more uniform cream cheese layer.
  • Check Gluten-Free Mix: Verify the cake mix is certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Smooth Spreading Technique: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the cream cheese layer, preventing uneven baking.
  • Cooling Patience: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature before cutting to help it set properly and maintain its delicate structure.

How to Store and Reheat French Butter Cake Without Drying

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
  • Cover Properly: Protect the cake by placing wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the creamy texture. Seal the container completely to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking frequently to avoid overheating. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, creamy consistency.

What to Pair with Gluten-Free French Butter Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Cappuccino: The rich, buttery cake finds its perfect match in a velvety vanilla cappuccino. The coffee's warmth complements the cake's sweetness, creating a delightful afternoon treat that balances creamy textures and flavors.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Berry Compote: A bright, tangy berry compote cuts through the cake's richness, adding a refreshing contrast. Strawberries or raspberries work wonderfully, bringing a burst of freshness that enhances the dessert's creamy profile.
  • Complement with Chilled Sweet Dessert Wine: A crisp moscato or late-harvest riesling provides a delicate sweetness that mirrors the cake's creamy top layer. The wine's light, fruity notes create a harmonious pairing that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream transforms this cake into an ultimate indulgence. The cold, creamy texture and pure vanilla flavor perfectly complement the cake's buttery base and cream cheese topping.

Elegant Variations on French Butter Cake

  • Berry Bliss Cake: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries between the cream cheese layer and cake mix for a fruity burst of flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Dream: Fold dark chocolate chips into the bottom layer for a rich, decadent chocolate experience that complements the creamy top.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the cream cheese layer before baking, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty warmth.
  • Caramel Swirl Special: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers or on top after baking to create a luxurious, golden-sweet finish that elevates the entire dessert.
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Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Recipe

Gluten-Free French Butter Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Buttery French cake delights with its rich, velvety texture and delicate crumb. Gluten-free ingredients elevate this classic dessert, inviting you to savor a slice of pure culinary elegance.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box Pillsbury Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix
  • ½ cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) block of cream cheese, softened

Eggs:

  • 4 eggs

Sweet and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the foundational layer by blending gluten-free yellow cake mix with melted butter and eggs until a cohesive dough emerges. Press this mixture firmly and uniformly across the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
  3. Craft the luxurious top layer by whisking cream cheese, remaining eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform cream with no visible lumps.
  4. Gently cascade the cream cheese mixture over the base layer, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and completely cover the initial dough layer.
  5. Position the baking dish in the oven’s center and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top layer should stabilize and lose its liquid wobble, indicating it has reached the perfect consistency.
  6. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool completely within the baking dish. This resting period helps the layers set and makes cutting into precise squares easier.
  7. Once thoroughly cooled, slice the cake into 12 elegant squares, revealing the beautiful contrast between the buttery base and creamy topping.
  8. Preserve any remaining cake in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its delectable texture and flavor for up to one week, offering a convenient make-ahead dessert option.

Notes

  • Creamy layers merge magically when cream cheese mixture cascades over buttery gluten-free dough.
  • Cooling transforms this dessert from hot, bubbling creation into perfectly set, sliceable squares with rich texture.
  • Refrigeration extends cake’s life, keeping each bite as delectable and indulgent as the moment it first emerged from the oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 345
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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