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Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of this gluten free french butter cake. It’s a delightful treat that combines the ease of a cake mix with the creamy decadence of a cheesecake layer. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress!
I first discovered this gluten free french butter cake at a family gathering. My cousin, who has a gluten intolerance, brought it along, and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved it so much that I just had to get the recipe and share it with all of you.
Get ready to cook up a storm with this amazing gluten free french butter cake recipe. It’s easier than you think!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 50 minutes (including prep and baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and eggs. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your gluten free french butter cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Bottom Layer | Top Layer |
|---|---|
| 1 Pillsbury Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix | 1, 8oz. block of cream cheese softened |
| 1/2 cup butter, melted | 2 eggs |
| 2 eggs | 4 cups powdered sugar |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until completely incorporated.
- In a second large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Press the cake mix mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture on top and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cake no longer jiggles when moved.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Once the cake is cool, cut into squares and serve.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For a perfect gluten free french butter cake, make sure to spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the cake mix layer. This will ensure that every bite is as delicious as the last. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy this Gluten Free French Crepes High Protein Dessert.
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Gluten free french butter cake: Best gluten free flour desserts
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free French Butter Cake (Gâteau Breton) is a study in simplicity and elegance. Somewhere between a dense pound cake and a giant, tender shortbread cookie, it features a rich, buttery crumb and a signature glossy, cross-hatched crust. It uses almond flour to keep the texture moist and melt-in-your-mouth delicious without any wheat.
Ingredients
— The Wet Ingredients —
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (European-style high-fat butter is best)
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature (separate 1 egg: use the white for the batter, reserve the yolk for the glaze)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but traditional)
— The Dry Ingredients —
1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (Measure for Measure)
1 cup superfine almond flour (adds moisture and density)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
— The Glaze —
1 egg yolk (reserved from above)
1 teaspoon water or milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (a springform pan or tart pan with a removable bottom works best) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 4–5 minutes until pale and fluffy. (Do not rush this step; aeration is key).
4. Add Eggs: Add 2 whole eggs and the 1 egg white (save the yolk!). Beat well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Combine: Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix just until a thick, sticky dough forms. (It will be thicker than normal cake batter).
6. Shape: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and smooth the top flat.
7. The Signature Finish: In a small cup, fork-whisk the reserved egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this glaze over the entire surface of the cake.
8. Decorate: Using the tines of a fork, gently drag a cross-hatch (crisscross) pattern through the glaze on top of the cake. This is the classic French look.
9. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the cake feels set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It is fragile when hot but firms up into a perfect dense texture once cooled. Slice into wedges to serve.
Notes
Butter Quality: Since butter is the main flavor profile, use a high-quality butter like Kerrygold or Plugrá for the best taste.
Almond Flour: The almond flour is crucial here—it replaces the density of wheat gluten and prevents the cake from being dry. Do not swap it for more regular GF flour.
Serving Suggestion: This cake is traditionally served plain with coffee or tea, but it is also wonderful served with a dollop of raspberry jam or fresh berries.
Storage: This cake keeps incredibly well. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves the next day!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 95
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different cake mix?
- Yes, you can use any gluten-free cake mix you prefer.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This gluten free french butter cake tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it, a delicious gluten free french butter cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this decadent treat. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.