The Perfect French Strawberry Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet and delicate, French strawberry cake tantalizes taste buds with its elegant simplicity and refined European charm.

Generations of passionate bakers have perfected this delightful dessert that celebrates seasonal berries in a spectacular culinary creation.

Soft, airy layers whisper tales of French pastry traditions, blending delicate sponge with luscious cream and vibrant fruit.

Subtle nuances of texture and flavor dance together, creating a harmonious dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Light-as-air meringue and velvety pastry cream elevate this cake beyond ordinary confections, refineing simple ingredients into a masterpiece of gastronomic artistry.

Delicate strawberries provide natural sweetness and visual appeal, making each slice a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

Reasons to Bake French Strawberry Cake

• Burst of Fresh Flavor: Packed with juicy, ripe strawberries that infuse every bite with a vibrant, sweet-tangy taste that dances on your palate.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The sour cream creates an incredibly soft, velvety crumb that melts in your mouth, making each slice irresistibly delicate and light.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers wanting a delightful dessert without complicated steps.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, afternoon tea, or as a stunning centerpiece dessert that impresses without overwhelming complexity.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking flour providing structure and soft texture for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent helping the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances sweetness in the cake.

• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base creating tender, rich cake with delightful sweetness.
• Eggs: Binding agent adding moisture and helping cake rise with smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor enhancer complementing strawberry notes.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tenderness, and subtle tanginess to cake texture.

• Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, vibrant fruit adding natural sweetness and bright color to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Optional topping for light crunch and extra sweetness on cake surface.

Baking Steps for French Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a generous butter coating. Lay down a parchment paper circle at the bottom for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and almost cloud-like.

Step 4: Add Egg Magic

Introduce eggs one by one into the butter mixture. Beat thoroughly after each egg to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Splash of Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and mix gently to distribute the rich aroma throughout the batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream to the batter. Start with flour and end with flour, creating a silky smooth cake base.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Goodness

Gently fold chopped strawberries into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix and crush the fruit.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle a light layer of sugar on top for a sweet, crispy crust.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking with a cake tester for doneness.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before serving.

Helpful Tips for Strawberry Cake Texture

• Select Ripe Berries: Choose fresh, vibrant strawberries at peak ripeness for the most intense flavor and sweetest taste.
• Fold Gently: Use a light hand when incorporating strawberries to prevent crushing and maintain their delicate texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Sugar Sprinkle Technique: Generously dust sugar on top before baking to create a delightful crispy, caramelized crust.
• Moisture Control: Pat strawberries dry before adding to the batter to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.

How to Store & Reheat Strawberry Cake

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap the cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Gently warm cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to preserve the soft texture. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its original taste and texture.

Pairing Suggestions for French Strawberry Cake

• Sparkling Strawberry Spritzer: Complement the cake's sweet fruity essence with a light, effervescent strawberry spritzer made from fresh strawberry puree, sparkling water, and a hint of mint.
• Creamy Vanilla Companion: Pair the cake with a cold scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to enhance the cake's delicate strawberry flavor and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Classic French Champagne Match: Elevate the dessert experience with a crisp, light champagne like Moët & Chandon or a rosé champagne that mirrors the cake's elegant French origins and fruity undertones.
• Morning Coffee Harmony: Serve alongside a smooth, rich French press coffee or a creamy cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness and create a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.

Strawberry Cake Recipe Variations

• Summer Berry Blend: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, colorful cake that bursts with multiple berry flavors.
• Lemon Strawberry Zest: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and incorporate a light lemon glaze after baking to create a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the strawberries.
• Almond Strawberry Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking and fold chopped almonds into the batter for added texture and nutty richness that pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking, adding a tangy, creamy element that enhances the cake's moistness and flavor profile.

French Strawberry Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful French strawberry cake emerges as a sublime dessert masterpiece from Provence. Sweet layers of sponge, luscious cream, and ripe strawberries create a romantic French pastry experience you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups rough chopped strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick (113 grams) softened butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups (167 grams) flour

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream or Greek yogurt (low fat)
• Sugar for finishing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a moderate temperature and preparing a round cake pan with a protective parchment paper lining.
2. Create a delicate dry ingredient foundation by combining flour, leavening agent, and seasoning in a separate mixing vessel.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a creamy, aerated mixture through vigorous whisking.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by introducing a splash of aromatic vanilla extract.
6. Carefully fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with creamy sour cream, beginning and concluding with the flour blend to maintain optimal batter structure.
7. Gently introduce chopped strawberries into the batter, distributing them evenly with a delicate folding technique.
8. Transfer the prepared mixture into the lined cake pan, creating an even surface and sprinkling a light dusting of sugar across the top for a delightful caramelized finish.
9. Bake the cake until it achieves a perfect golden hue and passes the clean toothpick test, typically requiring 35-40 minutes of oven time.
10. Allow the freshly baked cake to rest briefly in the pan, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack, permitting it to reach room temperature and develop its full flavor potential.

Notes

• Fresh strawberries are the star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color to this delightful French-inspired dessert.
• Gently folding strawberries into the batter prevents them from sinking and ensures even distribution throughout the cake.
• Sprinkling sugar on top creates a beautiful crispy crust that adds delightful texture and extra sweetness.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother, more consistent cake batter that rises perfectly.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure and prevent crumbling.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg