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The BEST French Strawberry Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This French Strawberry Cake is a moist, tender cake studded with fresh strawberries and finished with a sweet sugar topping. Perfect for spring and summer, it features a buttery crumb enhanced with sour cream and vanilla, creating a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.


Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 16 ounces strawberries, sliced (about 2 cups)

Topping

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature before the cake goes in.
  2. Line Cake Pan: Prepare a 9-inch springform pan or a similar-sized cake pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
  3. Whip Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whip the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 4-5 minutes until pale yellow and fluffy to incorporate air and create a light texture.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate and maintain the batter’s consistency.
  5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm, aromatic flavor.
  6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
  7. Add Flour Mixture and Sour Cream: Gradually add the flour mixture and sour cream into the wet ingredients, alternating between the two and starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix each addition thoroughly for even batter texture.
  8. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries to evenly distribute them without breaking them down too much.
  9. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
  10. Top With Sugar: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter to create a lightly crunchy, sweet crust during baking.
  11. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  12. Let Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to set the structure before removing.
  13. Enjoy: Carefully remove the cake from the pan, optionally dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the cake.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense texture.
  • The granulated sugar on top creates a deliciously crunchy crust; don’t skip it.
  • Let the cake cool fully before slicing for clean, neat slices.
  • Powdered sugar topping is optional but adds a lovely decorative touch.
  • You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture will be denser.