Quatre-quarts (French pound cake)

Quatre-quarts from Brittany: a soft cake named after its 4 ingredients used in equal weights (eggs, sugar, butter, flour). Simple, foolproof and comforting, it is the quintessential teatime cake.

Preparation: 15 min  |  Cooking: 45 min  |  Servings: 8  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities listed. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 358 kcal · 5 g protein · 38 g carbohydrate · 20 g fat

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 180 g sugar
• 180 g butter
• 180 g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method

1. Weigh the eggs, then use the same weight of sugar, butter and flour.
2. Whisk the eggs with the sugar, then add the melted butter.
3. Fold in the flour and baking powder.
4. Bake for 45 minutes at 170 °C, checking with the tip of a knife.

Nutritional benefits

This is a rich cake by nature (equal parts butter and sugar): enjoy a sensible slice as an occasional treat. The advantage of homemade is no additives, and you can cut back a little on the sugar or lighten the butter.

Variations and substitutions

• Lemon or vanilla flavoured.
• With yoghurt to reduce the butter.
• Marbled with chocolate.
• With fruit (apple pieces, raisins).

Storage and making ahead

Keeps for 4 to 5 days well wrapped; it even improves slightly and freezes.

💡 Good to know

Separate the eggs and whisk the whites to stiff peaks for an even lighter quatre-quarts.

Read more

Discover more vegetarian recipes · kids’ recipes.

Foods in this recipe: eggs · sugar · butter · flour · baking powder.

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