French Strawberry Cake

A warm, fragrant kitchen filled with the sweet scent of fresh strawberries signals that something delightful is baking. This French Strawberry Cake is a lovely dessert that can be prepared in about an hour, and its tender crumb, combined with luscious berries, creates a wonderful experience for any occasion.

Perfect for strawberry lovers and those who enjoy a light, airy cake, this recipe shines during picnics, gatherings, or simply indulging on a quiet afternoon. The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The cake has a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
• It features fresh strawberries that provide bursts of juicy sweetness.
• The simple mixing method makes it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• It’s versatile enough to serve as both a dessert and a delightful brunch item.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your French Strawberry Cake.

For the Cake

• 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

Use Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Unsalted butter can be replaced with margarine.
• Granulated sugar may be substituted with coconut sugar.
• Sour cream can be swapped with plain yogurt.
• Fresh strawberries might be replaced with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.

How to Make It

Start preparing your cake with these steps.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by spraying it with cooking spray.

Cream the butter and sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, and beat just until combined after each addition.

Fold in strawberries

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the sliced strawberries.

Prepare the cake for baking

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Bake the cake

Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which will take about 40 minutes.

Cool the cake

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave in 15-second intervals until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your butter is softened for easier creaming.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding strawberries for better texture.
• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and moisture.
• For a sweeter touch, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Serve at a summer picnic alongside refreshing iced tea.
• Enjoy for breakfast with coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.