Quatre Quarts Recipe

If there were ever a cake that captures the simple elegance of French baking, it’s the Quatre Quarts. This beloved classic, whose name means “four quarters,” is a perfect harmony of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour in equal measure—a recipe so reassuringly straightforward that it instantly feels like home. Every bite is tender, buttery, and delicately sweet, making Quatre Quarts a staple for afternoon tea, celebratory gatherings, or a spontaneous weekend treat. More than just a recipe, it’s a tradition passed from generation to generation, and I can’t wait to share all its secrets with you.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quatre Quarts lies in its utter simplicity; each ingredient not only pulls its weight, but is vital to achieving the moist crumb and golden flavor you’re after. Don’t be afraid to use the best-quality basics you can find—you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the cake its rich flavor and irresistible moistness; make sure it’s fully softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that lovely light texture when creamed with butter.
• Large Eggs: Act as a natural leavener and bring structure to the cake; room-temperature eggs blend in beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy backbone for Quatre Quarts; sift it for the most delicate crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and a fragrant aroma that ties everything together.
• Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Quatre Quarts

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Quatre Quarts bakes evenly and gets that perfect rise. Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. Prepping the pan now saves you from scrambling when your batter is ready to go.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the fluffiest results—you’re aiming for a pale, airy mixture that will make your cake beautifully tender. This step is key, so give it a good three to five minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, One by One

Add the eggs to your creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual process helps create an emulsion, ensuring your batter stays silky smooth and your Quatre Quarts bakes up perfectly even.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla and Salt

Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. You’ll notice the aroma of the vanilla mixing with the buttery base—absolutely heavenly! These little touches bring out the best in the other ingredients.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Gradually add the flour, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold with a spatula just until you see no more streaks of flour. This step keeps your cake soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender, exactly how a Quatre Quarts should be.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the Quatre Quarts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the cake to set and makes slicing a breeze. Waiting can be the hardest part, but it’s so worth it when you get that perfect, tender crumb.

How to Serve Quatre Quarts

Garnishes

While Quatre Quarts is stunning all on its own, you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh seasonal berries for a pop of color and flavor. Even a drizzle of honey can make each slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake loves a companion. Enjoy it alongside a warm cup of tea, rich espresso, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For a French-inspired breakfast spread, serve with fresh fruit or a spoonful of homemade jam.

Creative Ways to Present

Get inspired by slicing the Quatre Quarts into dainty fingers for a sweet platter, or layering thin slices with lemon curd or chocolate ganache for an instant dessert upgrade. Toasting it lightly adds a subtle crunch—perfect for an elegant brunch or dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Quatre Quarts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavor deepens after a day, making your second (or third) slice just as alluring as the first!

Freezing

Quatre Quarts freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw on the counter and enjoy as if freshly baked.

Reheating

To refresh a slice, simply pop it in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a bit of butter on top—a little treat that brings out that amazing buttery flavor all over again.

FAQs

What does “Quatre Quarts” mean?

It means “four quarters” in French, referring to the original recipe’s classic formula: equal parts butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—no guesswork involved!

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! While traditional Quatre Quarts sticks to basics, a little lemon zest, orange blossom water, or even chocolate chips make delicious variations if you feel like experimenting.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

A dense cake often comes from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Be sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature, and fold in the flour gently to keep your Quatre Quarts light and fluffy.

Can I bake this in a round pan?

Of course! While a loaf pan is traditional for Quatre Quarts, a round or square cake tin works perfectly; just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! Quatre Quarts is one of the most approachable classic cakes you can make. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, even novice bakers can achieve fantastic results.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Quatre Quarts, there’s no better time than now. It’s a wonderfully adaptable cake that truly anyone can bake, and it rewards every bite with homemade warmth. Gather your simple ingredients and get whisking—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!