If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that captures the essence of fresh strawberries with a delicate crumb, you’re in for a treat with this French Strawberry Cake Recipe. This lovely cake balances sweet, tender cake layers studded with juicy, ripe strawberries, creating a delightful harmony of flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug from a French countryside bakery. It’s surprisingly simple to make but impressively elegant, perfect for sharing at any gathering or savoring as a special everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this French Strawberry Cake Recipe come together effortlessly, each playing a vital role in making the cake moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the soft butter that enriches the batter to the fresh strawberries that bring that burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color, every element is essential.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s tender crumb, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake just the right lift for a soft, airy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and creates a subtle crackly crust when sprinkled on top.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to a light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the strawberries beautifully.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries: Hulled and chopped, they infuse the cake with fruity bursts and a gorgeous color.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so your cake rises perfectly and tastes balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the butter, which helps create that wonderfully tender crumb in your finished cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add your eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. This builds a smooth and cohesive batter. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture and Sour Cream
Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Be careful to mix only until just combined to keep your cake light and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter with a spatula. This delicate step preserves the texture of the strawberries and prevents the batter from becoming overworked.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking. Sprinkle the top with some extra sugar to achieve a delightful crackly crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, it’s ready to enjoy warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate this cake from simple to stunning. Fresh strawberry slices on top, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar make delightful finishes that enhance both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Strawberry Cake with light sides such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry salad. These complement the cake’s flavors without overshadowing its delicate texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve this cake layered with mascarpone or a light vanilla crème. You can also drizzle it with a berry coulis or a glaze made from reduced strawberry juice for a fruity encore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover French Strawberry Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them properly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the texture soft and the strawberries fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe to avoid excess moisture that frozen berries can release, which might make the batter too wet. However, if using frozen, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter.
What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in the French Strawberry Cake Recipe, providing the same tangy flavor and moisture with a slightly thicker texture.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and tender.
Is this cake gluten-free or can it be made gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so proceed with caution and adjust as needed.
Can I make this French Strawberry Cake Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream. These swaps will keep the cake moist and flavorful with a slight twist.
Final Thoughts
This French Strawberry Cake Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to share. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon tea or a special occasion, this cake brings that perfect jump of fresh fruit and tender crumb into every bite. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Strawberry Cake is a moist and tender treat featuring fresh strawberries folded into a delicate vanilla batter. Baked to perfection with a crackly sugar topping, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for dessert or an elegant afternoon snack, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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 reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Cake Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a sweet, fragrant flavor.
- Combine 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. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which may toughen the cake.
- Add Strawberries: Fold the chopped fresh strawberries gently into the batter using a spatula, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle extra granulated sugar over the top of the batter to create a crackly, sweet crust when baked.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and enables easy slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and well-hulled to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Using sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture; choose whichever you prefer based on taste or dietary needs.
- The extra sugar sprinkled on top creates a delightful crackly crust, so don’t skip this step.
- This cake is best served within 2 days for optimum freshness but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
