If you’re a fan of light, fruity desserts that bring a touch of elegance to your table, you’re going to adore this French Strawberry Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful treat bursting with fresh strawberries folded into a tender, buttery cake that’s perfectly moist and not too sweet. This cake is all about simplicity and freshness, making it a crowd-pleaser for afternoon tea, celebrations, or just because you want something special. Each bite feels like a gentle celebration of ripe summer strawberries paired with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this French Strawberry Cake Recipe, it’ll become your go-to whenever strawberries are in season or your taste buds crave a little joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and overall magic of the cake. From the richness of butter to the zing of fresh strawberries, everything combines beautifully in harmony.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb and structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy without heaviness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and moisture for that perfect softness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently, with extra for a crackly sugary topping.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s light texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that complements the strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient bringing juicy bursts of freshness and natural sweetness.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Then, grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple blend provides the structure and lightness your cake needs. Set this aside while you prepare your wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This process aerates the butter, which helps give the cake its tender crumb and delicate texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one by one, making sure to beat well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter that holds air and rises nicely. Stir in your teaspoon of fragrant vanilla extract to bring warmth and a lovely depth to the cake’s flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Start adding your flour mixture and sour cream in turns to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so gentle folding is key to maintaining tenderness.
Step 6: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries
Now for the best part: gently fold chopped fresh strawberries into the batter so they are evenly distributed but still whole enough to surprise you with juicy bites in each slice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your strawberry-filled batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top to create a wonderful crackly surface when baked. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the beauty of fresh strawberries arranged artfully on top, perhaps with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of softly whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. A sprig of fresh mint brightens the look and adds a pop of refreshing aroma.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce for extra indulgence. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé will complement the cake’s gentle sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the cake as a beautiful layered dessert by slicing it horizontally and layering with whipped mascarpone or yogurt cream mixed with a touch of honey. Alternatively, cut it into delicate squares and serve on pretty plates to impress your guests with an elegant afternoon tea offering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
This French Strawberry Cake Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
For a comforting, just-baked taste, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the strawberries fresh and the cake tender. You can also reheat it briefly in a low-temperature oven wrapped in foil.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this French Strawberry Cake Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute and actually brings a similar tang and moisture to the cake, keeping it tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, your cake is perfectly baked.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might differ slightly but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this French Strawberry Cake Recipe a try because it has all the elements of a perfect homemade treat—simple ingredients, easy steps, and a result that feels special every time. It’s a celebration of fresh strawberries and classic French baking charm that’s sure to brighten your day and impress your friends and family. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful French Strawberry Cake combining a tender buttery crumb with fresh, juicy strawberries, perfect for a spring or summer dessert. This light and fluffy cake is enhanced with sour cream for moistness and topped with a crackly sugar crust, making it irresistibly delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to emulsify. Then mix in the vanilla extract evenly.
- Combine with Flour and Sour Cream: Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and a dense cake.
- Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the batter using a spatula, distributing them evenly without breaking the fruit.
- Pour Batter and Sugar Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with a little extra granulated sugar for a crackly, sweet crust.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
- Serve: Serve the French Strawberry Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For a tangier taste, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the cake tender.
- Sprinkling extra sugar on top before baking adds a pleasant crunch to the crust.
- This cake is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
