French Strawberry Cake Recipe
If you have a soft spot for light, fruity desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then the French Strawberry Cake will quickly become your new favorite. This cake captures the essence of fresh strawberries folded into a tender, buttery crumb that feels both rustic and refined at the same time. Imagine the perfect balance of sweetness, subtle tang from sour cream, and that unmistakable juicy pop of strawberries in every bite. The French Strawberry Cake is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of spring in dessert form that’s incredibly simple to bake but endlessly satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect French Strawberry Cake. They come together to create a harmoniously tender texture, delightful flavor, and that gorgeous pink blush you’ll love.
- Flour: The base of the cake, provides structure while keeping it light.
- Baking powder: The secret for a gentle lift, making every slice airy.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Softened butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb when whipped with sugar.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and creates a slightly crisp top when sprinkled before baking.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes elevating the overall flavor.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Brings moistness, slight tang, and tenderness to the crumb.
- Chopped strawberries: The star ingredient—fresh and juicy for irresistible bursts of flavor.
- Sugar for finishing: Sprinkled on top to add a subtle crunch and sparkle.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly, then line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases effortlessly after baking. This step helps guarantee a beautiful presentation and easy removal.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these now ensures they are evenly distributed, which means a uniform rise and flavor balance throughout your French Strawberry Cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, whip the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for a light, tender crumb that’s not dense or heavy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to your whipped butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the airiness you just created.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Sour Cream
Begin folding in your flour mixture alternately with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), starting and ending with the flour. This technique keeps the batter well-mixed but still tender, ensuring moisture and structure are perfectly balanced in the cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter using a spatula. Being careful here prevents the berries from breaking down too much and keeps those lovely pieces intact so you get delicious strawberry bursts throughout every slice.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top for that slight crunch and sparkle once baked. Pop your cake into the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then let it cool completely before serving or plating.
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
Keep garnishes simple to let the cake shine. A dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh whole strawberries on top adds that fresh, inviting look. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the cake’s flavors without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a crisp cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For something special, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fruit salad to amplify the fresh fruit vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your French Strawberry Cake as a layered dessert by slicing it horizontally and adding a layer of whipped cream and strawberry preserves in between. Another fun idea is to cut it into squares and serve as finger food at a party – they’re delightful bite-sized bursts of sweetness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Strawberry Cake can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you decide to warm a slice, gently heat it in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This step enhances the flavors and revives the tender crumb, as if it were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the French Strawberry Cake?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture, you can use frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and replace the sour cream with coconut yogurt or another plant-based alternative to maintain moisture and tang in the French Strawberry Cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add other fruits to this cake?
Absolutely! While strawberries shine here, raspberries or blueberries make excellent substitutes or additions, giving your cake a delightful twist while keeping the French Strawberry Cake essence.
What’s the best way to slice this cake without it falling apart?
Use a serrated knife and cut the cake when it is completely cooled. A gentle sawing motion helps maintain the cake’s crumb and strawberry chunks intact for a neat slice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the French Strawberry Cake that makes it a must-bake for anyone who loves fresh, fruity desserts that feel effortlessly elegant. Whether it’s a casual weekday treat or the star of your next celebration, this cake invites you to savor the simple joys of a well-made homemade dessert. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much happiness in baking and eating it as I do every time I make it!
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French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Strawberry Cake is a light and fluffy dessert combining the subtle tartness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, tender crumb. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and fresh strawberries, this cake is perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet and fruity treat. The addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang, making this cake irresistible and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick (113g) softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or low-fat Greek yogurt
Fruit
- 2 cups rough chopped fresh strawberries
Finishing
- Sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly, and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after adding each egg to ensure a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the batter with a subtle aroma and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Strawberries: Using a spatula, gently fold the roughly chopped strawberries into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking them down.
- Transfer to Pan and Sprinkle Sugar: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, then sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top to create a delicate sweet crust while baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing it. Cool completely on a wire rack if you want to serve it plated for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Using fresh, ripe strawberries enhances the flavor and texture of the cake.
- Substituting low-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream reduces fat content while maintaining moisture.
- To prevent the strawberries from sinking, toss them lightly in flour before folding into the batter.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days; store wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: French strawberry cake, strawberry dessert, berry cake, baked strawberry cake, easy fruit cake, sour cream cake, French dessert
