French Strawberry Cake Recipe

Introduction

This French Strawberry Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake and fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion. With a moist crumb and sweet fruit folded throughout, it’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 16 ounces fresh strawberries (sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined after each addition.
5. Step 5: Fold the sliced strawberries gently into the batter. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup sugar evenly over the top of the cake batter.
7. Step 7: Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Slice and serve the cake directly from the pan for an easy presentation.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toss the strawberries in a little sugar and lemon juice before folding them into the batter.
• Try substituting fresh raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries for a different berry twist.
• Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture in the cake.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. This cake can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results.

French Strawberry Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 70 reviews

A delightful French Strawberry Cake featuring a tender, buttery crumb studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a sugar crust, perfect for a sweet and fruity dessert.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 16 ounces fresh strawberries (sliced)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes, which helps to aerate the batter for a light texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then beat in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
6. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them up too much.
7. Prepare for Baking: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter to create a sweet crust as it bakes.
8. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice and serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Do not overmix batter once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
• Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture first.
• The sugar sprinkled on top creates a lovely, crunchy crust — do not skip this step.
• Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to maintain clean slices and prevent strawberries from falling apart.

Keywords: French strawberry cake, strawberry dessert, berry cake, fruit cake, baked strawberry cake, homemade cake