Name: French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; 6 oz unsweetened chocolate; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 lb confectioners sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Enough half and half or cream to make spreadable (a few tablespoons)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

The French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe is a treasured delight that brings together the richness of classic French butter cake with the nostalgic comfort of a deep, chocolatey fudge frosting. This recipe, lovingly passed down through generations, strikes the perfect balance between a tender, buttery crumb and a luscious, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of homemade happiness, this cake’s timeless charm and decadent finish will make it an instant family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with thick, creamy light yellow dough inside. Two shiny metal beaters rest in the dough, showing a soft, fluffy texture with swirls and peaks from mixing. In the background, there is a crumpled dark blue cloth adding contrast to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether adding moisture, structure, or that irresistible richness.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This is the heart of the cake, providing rich flavor and tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture for a perfect rise.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors without overpowering.
1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure, giving it body and support.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aromatic sweetness for a classic finish.
½ cup milk: Moisturizes and adds richness to the batter’s texture.
6 oz unsweetened chocolate: Creates the deep, intense fudge flavor in the frosting.
½ cup unsalted butter (for frosting): Gives the frosting a creamy, spreadable consistency.
1 lb confectioners sugar: Sweetens and thickens the fudge frosting perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the chocolate’s richness with a smooth finish.
Half and half or cream: Added gradually for a luscious, spreadable frosting texture.

How to Make French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing two 8-inch cake pans so your cake won’t stick. Next, beat the softened butter until it’s silky smooth. Gradually add the sugar and keep beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—a crucial step for that airy, tender crumb.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavor

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter is smooth and creamy. These ingredients deepen the flavor while adding moisture, ensuring every bite is luscious.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt. This helps your cake rise evenly and enhances its texture.

Step 4: Mix Batter and Bake

First, fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then stir in the milk to create a soft batter, finishing by gently incorporating the remaining dry ingredients. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting

In a double boiler, melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together, stirring until perfectly smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and confectioners sugar. Add half and half or cream a little at a time until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency that will set beautifully as it cools on the cake.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost

Once your cake layers are completely cool, generously spread the warm fudge frosting over the top and sides. The warmth helps the frosting to spread smoothly and achieve that luscious, glossy finish that makes this cake so irresistible.

How to Serve French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe

A two-layer round chocolate cake covered evenly in smooth, rich brown chocolate frosting stands on a clear glass plate placed on a white marbled surface. The top layer has a circle of colorful sprinkles along the edge, including small white, pink, blue, and orange rod-shaped sprinkles and larger round candies in pink, blue, and white. A purple cloth is loosely placed behind the cake, adding a soft contrast to the setup. The overall look is simple but cheerful and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a touch of elegance and fun, consider garnishing your French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can also add delightful texture and complement the rich fudge.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a more decadent pairing, serve with a hot espresso or a rich cup of black tea to balance the sweetness and bring out every flavor nuance.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not transform this classic into a showstopper by layering it in a trifle dish with alternating layers of fresh fruit and whipped cream? Or serve it as individual mini cakes by using cupcake pans and topping each one with a swirl of fudge frosting for charming portion-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and apply the old fashioned fudge frosting fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid heating the entire frosted cake to prevent melting and softening of the beautiful fudge frosting.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level precisely, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just omit adding any extra salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Does this cake work well as cupcakes?

Yes! The batter is perfect for cupcakes. Just fill your liners two-thirds full and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, adjusting the time as needed for your oven.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely. Non-dairy milks like almond, soy, or oat milk can be used in equal amounts and will still provide a moist cake. The flavor may vary slightly but will remain delicious.

How thick should I spread the fudge frosting?

Spread the frosting generously for that classic old fashioned look and texture. A thick layer not only tastes indulgent but also balances the lightness of the butter cake perfectly.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it a great project for bakers of all skill levels to enjoy and impress with.

Final Thoughts

This French Butter Cake with Old Fashioned Fudge Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart, passed down through generations and perfected with love. The tender crumb paired with rich fudge frosting is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want to create a memorable and comforting dessert that everyone will adore. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time.