French Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings sunshine to your table, French Strawberry Cake is the answer. This charming cake is beautifully simple yet irresistibly delicious, showcasing tender crumb, pockets of juicy strawberries, and a golden sugared top. Every slice tastes like a warm spring day in France, and you’ll be amazed at how such common bakery staples come together for a dessert that feels so special. Whether served as an afternoon treat or the star of your next celebration, French Strawberry Cake is destined to become a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French Strawberry Cake lies in the way a handful of everyday ingredients combine to create something truly unforgettable. Each item has a role, from adding richness to highlighting the fruit, and together they create a cake that’s bright, buttery, and tender.

• All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the cake, ensuring it holds together perfectly while remaining soft and moist.
• Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, creating a delicate crumb and light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors—don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and that essential tender bite; room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates a delightful crackly top when sprinkled before baking.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s plush texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the crumb moist and adds a subtle tang—you can use low fat if you’d like.
• Fresh strawberries (rough chopped): The star of the show! Their juicy bursts of flavor turn every bite into pure happiness.
• Extra sugar for finishing: Sprinkled over the top, it creates a sweet, shimmery crust after baking.

How to Make French Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees, and take a moment to thoroughly grease a 9-inch round pan. If you line the bottom with parchment paper, your French Strawberry Cake will release with ease and look picture-perfect for serving or display. The prep may seem simple, but it truly sets the tone for a stress-free baking experience.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give them a good stir with a whisk or fork to distribute the leavening evenly. Setting this bowl aside will make the blending process go much more smoothly later on.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl, and beat together until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to achieving that classic tender crumb in your French Strawberry Cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. This step helps ensure a smooth batter with plenty of structure. Once both eggs are in, add the vanilla and beat again to infuse everything with that irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gently add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Start and finish with the flour mixture. This technique helps keep the batter tender and light—no over-mixing required!

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Using a spatula, carefully fold in the rough-chopped strawberries. Take care not to overwork the batter—gentle strokes will help preserve the fruit and keep the cake airy.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top as needed. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon or two of sugar over the surface to form that signature crackly, caramelized crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean and crumb-free.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Let your French Strawberry Cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and loosen it onto a wire rack. The parchment paper helps make this part a breeze—no worries about pieces sticking!

How to Serve French Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few extra sliced strawberries on top takes the presentation to another level. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of fresh mint adds color and a hint of freshness that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake truly shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of crème fraîche. For a taste of café life, try serving a warm slice with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider baking the French Strawberry Cake in mini tart pans for individual servings, or cut the cooled cake into wedges and layer with whipped cream in parfait glasses for a stunning dessert. You can even stack thin slices with fresh berries and cream for a “cake tower” effect that’s perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your French Strawberry Cake tasting fresh, cover any remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay moist at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge for up to four days if you want them to last a little longer.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze French Strawberry Cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can defrost a single piece whenever those sweet cravings strike—just let it come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives the cake’s softness and releases the strawberries’ aroma, making every bite even more inviting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be mindful to thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly before adding them to the batter so the cake doesn’t become soggy. Chop them while still a touch firm for the best texture.

What’s the difference between sour cream and Greek yogurt in this cake?

Both ingredients keep the French Strawberry Cake moist and tender, with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Sour cream tends to be a bit richer, while Greek yogurt offers a slightly lighter, fluffier crumb—either will work beautifully!

Why does my cake sometimes stick to the pan?

Lining your pan with parchment paper and greasing it well makes a huge difference. It allows the French Strawberry Cake to release cleanly, making it easier to plate and present with confidence.

Can I add other fruits or flavors to this recipe?

Of course! While strawberries are classic, try mixing in raspberries, blueberries, or a hint of lemon zest for a fresh twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits can affect moisture levels and baking times.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the middle of the French Strawberry Cake. It should come out clean or with only a few small crumbs attached. The top should also be golden and gently spring back when touched.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime baker or brand new to homemade desserts, there’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a French Strawberry Cake from the oven. Its simplicity is part of the magic, and I hope you’ll find as much happiness sharing it as I do. Go ahead—give it a try and see just how quickly it wins over everyone at your table!

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