Quatre Quarts: The Classic French Pound Cake at home

The Classic French Pound Cake

Quatre Quarts is a traditional French pound cake that has a rich and buttery flavor. The cake gets its name from the four main ingredients used in the recipe: flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, each of which is equal in weight. Quatre Quarts is easy to make and is a staple in French households. In this article, we will discuss the history of Quatre Quarts, how to make it, and some tips for creating a perfect cake.

History of Quatre Quarts

Quatre Quarts has been a staple in French households for centuries. It is said to have originated in Brittany, a region in the northwest of France. The cake was popular among sailors who would take it on their long journeys as it was easy to make and could last for weeks without spoiling. Over time, Quatre Quarts became a favorite among French families and is now a classic French dessert.

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour and 5 minutes

(Preparation: 20 minutes + Cooking time: 45 minutes)

Ingredients

To make Quatre Quarts, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until they become frothy.
4. Gradually add the sugar to the eggs, whisking constantly.
5. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the egg mixture, and mix well.
6. Slowly add the melted butter to the mixture, whisking constantly.
7. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
8. Pour the batter into the greased and floured loaf pan.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
11. Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Creating a Perfect Quatre Quarts

• Use room temperature ingredients. This will help the batter come together easily and prevent lumps from forming.
• Weigh your ingredients. To ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time, it is important to weigh your ingredients rather than measuring them by volume.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough and dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.
• Use a good quality butter. Since butter is one of the main ingredients in Quatre Quarts, it is important to use a high-quality butter to get the best flavor.
• Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it’s done. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.

                                                                     ENJOY!😊

Quatre Quarts is a classic French pound cake that is easy to make and has a rich and buttery flavor. This cake is a staple in French households and is enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the instructions and tips provided in this article, you can create a perfect Quatre Quarts every time.