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If you are looking for a truly charming and delightful dessert to brighten up any occasion, this French Strawberry Cake Recipe will sweep you off your feet. Bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries and wrapped in a tender, buttery crumb, this cake strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. Every bite feels like a cozy hug paired with a bit of sunshine, making it a beloved treat that’s easy to whip up yet impressively delicious. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings, or anytime you crave something light, fresh, and irresistibly fruity, this French Strawberry Cake Recipe is bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this French Strawberry Cake Recipe is all in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a key role: the flour builds structure, the butter adds richness, and the fresh strawberries deliver juicy bursts of flavor and delightful color. These essential ingredients come together to create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1â…“ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its light and tender texture.
- 1¼ tsp baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for an airy crumb.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavor.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds luscious richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling): Sweetens the batter and creates a crackly, inviting top crust.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and depth.
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and moistness while keeping the cake delicate.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness, freshness, and bursts of juicy texture.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly and lining the bottom with parchment paper will ensure your cake comes out effortlessly and maintains its delicate shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, which supports the rise and enhances the flavors.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale. This process traps air, giving your cake a wonderfully soft texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter. Then, blend in the vanilla extract to subtly boost the cake’s flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Sour Cream
Slowly add the flour mixture and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake tender rather than dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter with a spatula. This careful incorporation ensures juicy strawberry pockets throughout without breaking down the fruit too much.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar to create that irresistible crackly finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
Step 8: Cool and Transfer
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to allow the cake to finish cooking and firm up perfectly.
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of freshly whipped cream to elevate your French Strawberry Cake Recipe. Sprinkle on a handful of sliced fresh strawberries or a few mint leaves to showcase the cake’s star ingredient with an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dollop of crème fraîche, adding creaminess and a cool counterpoint to the cake’s warmth. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can also complement its sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices layered with mascarpone cream or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Cutting the cake into petite squares and serving on decorative plates creates a charming, party-ready presentation that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French Strawberry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to revive its soft, tender texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying to preserve its wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy your French Strawberry Cake Recipe warm, gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the cake’s texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this French Strawberry Cake Recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen berries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake batter.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute that adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the cake tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
Can I add other fruits instead of strawberries?
You can experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches for a different twist, but the texture and moisture of the cake may vary slightly with different fruits.
Is this French Strawberry Cake Recipe suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! Its elegant simplicity and fresh flavors make it a wonderful choice for birthdays, tea parties, and any celebration where you want to impress with a homemade, light dessert.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderfully easy and delightful French Strawberry Cake Recipe at your fingertips, why not give it a try? It’s a perfect way to bring a little piece of French charm into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you bake it for a casual afternoon treat or a special celebration, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
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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
Description
This French Strawberry Cake is a delightful, moist cake bursting with fresh strawberries and a tender crumb. Made with a simple blend of butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream or Greek yogurt, it’s lightly sweetened and topped with a crackly sugar crust. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating proper aeration of the batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and sour cream: Alternately add the flour mixture and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in strawberries: Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them up too much.
- Pour batter and add sugar topping: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with extra granulated sugar to create a crackly, sweet crust as it bakes.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and healthier option.
- Ensure strawberries are fresh and not too watery to avoid soggy cake.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; this helps keep the cake light and tender.
- Extra sugar on top helps to create a beautiful crackly crust when baked.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days.
