There’s something downright magical about a French Strawberry Cake. With its fluffy, tender crumb and juicy, sun-sweet strawberries nestled right on top, every bite tastes like a celebration of summer. This is the kind of recipe that brings people together—rustic enough for a casual picnic, elegant enough for a special gathering, and simple enough that you’ll want to make it again and again. Classic, easy, and bursting with fruit, this one-bowl wonder will charm berry lovers and cake enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such a small handful of everyday ingredients can create something so beautifully memorable. Each component brings something vital—richness, structure, subtle tang, or a burst of fresh color—to the French Strawberry Cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy creaming, this adds irresistible richness and a moist, tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps the top caramelize into a golden, lovely crust.
- Large Eggs: Give the cake lift and structure, making it fluffy and light.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Offers just the right tang while keeping the cake extra moist—choose whichever you have on hand.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds sweet warmth that enhances the strawberry flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its delicate structure without making it too dense.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your cake rises perfectly every time.
- Salt: Just a little brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show—halved or sliced for that beautiful juicy top layer.
- Sugar for Topping: Sprinkled over strawberries for slight crunch and extra sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar for Dusting (optional): For a delicate, picture-worthy finishing touch.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Heat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your French Strawberry Cake will release easily and look gorgeous right out of the pan.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This process adds air, setting the stage for a light, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Yogurt, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract. This trio makes the batter velvety-smooth and gives the cake its characteristic subtle tang.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step means your baking powder will distribute evenly, ensuring a consistent rise throughout your French Strawberry Cake.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Take care not to over-mix—this will keep your cake tender.
Step 6: Top with Strawberries and Sugar
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Artfully arrange the halved or sliced strawberries over the surface (kids love to help with this part!), then sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. This step gives the top a delicate, crackly sweetness after baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your French Strawberry Cake in the center of the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to finish cooling. Dust with powdered sugar once cooled, if you like!
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
A generous shower of powdered sugar on top makes for a dreamy look, but you can get playful, too! Decorate your French Strawberry Cake with extra fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or some tiny mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Turn this cake into an elegant dessert plate by pairing slices with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sorbet, or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche. If you’re serving it at a brunch, it’s delightful alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a citrus salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each slice of French Strawberry Cake in wide dessert bowls with a pour of light custard or strawberry puree over the top. For special occasions, you can cut the cooled cake into wedges and layer with whipped cream for an easy, beautiful trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French Strawberry Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for two to three days. The cake remains moist, and the flavors deepen as it sits, though the top may soften.
Freezing
You can freeze French Strawberry Cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just dust with more powdered sugar if needed!
Reheating
To enjoy your cake slightly warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Avoid overheating, which can toughen the crumb. If you want a crispy top, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for French Strawberry Cake?
While fresh strawberries look prettiest and won’t release too much moisture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw and pat them dry first; keep in mind the cake may be slightly more moist.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt—can I substitute it?
Absolutely! Sour cream is the perfect swap, delivering the same tang and tenderness that make French Strawberry Cake so unique. Regular plain yogurt will also work.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this cake?
Not at all! A hand mixer or even just a good old-fashioned spoon and some elbow grease will be enough. The French Strawberry Cake doesn’t require fancy equipment.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Definitely! Try blueberries, raspberries, thinly sliced peaches, or even a mix of your favorite summer berries for a fun twist on the classic French Strawberry Cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Your cake is ready when the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let it cool a bit before digging in—it sets up perfectly as it rests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, this French Strawberry Cake is the answer. It’s the kind of cake that begs to be shared (but is secretly just as good enjoyed all by yourself with a fork and a cup of tea!). Give it a try, and I know it’ll be a new favorite in your kitchen, too.
Print
French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this French Strawberry Cake, a moist and tender dessert bursting with fresh strawberries. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion and will impress your guests with its simple yet elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (halved or sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, arrange the strawberries over the top, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 35–40 minutes until done.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed the same day it’s baked, slightly warm or at room temperature.
- It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
