If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing a burst of summer on your dessert plate, the French Strawberry Cake is pure sunshine served in a slice. Buttery and golden with that irresistible aroma of vanilla, this rustic cake is topped with luscious, sweet strawberries that become jammy and fragrant as they bake. Light, moist, and just the right amount of sweet, it’s the kind of treat you’ll want to serve as soon as berry season arrives—perfect for a garden tea or a cozy afternoon with friends. There’s something very special about how the French Strawberry Cake brings simple ingredients together into something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for French Strawberry Cake is almost as easy as making it! Each ingredient is simple yet absolutely essential, offering a tiny miracle in flavor, texture, or aroma. Here’s why every item counts and how it helps the cake shine.
- Unsalted butter (softened): This gives the cake its rich, tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth quality—make sure it’s nicely softened for the fluffiest texture.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens the batter evenly and helps the strawberries glaze beautifully on top.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and ensure the cake stays moist with a delicate structure.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon gives a warm fragrance and depth that complements the strawberries.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, all-purpose flour provides tenderness without being too delicate or dense.
- Baking powder: This gives the cake just the right lift, making it airy but not too fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brightens the buttery flavor throughout.
- Whole milk or buttermilk: Either works! Milk adds moisture; buttermilk, if you have it, brings a lovely tang and extra softness.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved or sliced): The star of the show! Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the juiciest, brightest results.
- Coarse sugar or granulated sugar (for topping): A light sprinkle gives the baked top a sparkle and the most delightful, crisp finish.
- Powdered sugar (for serving, optional): A dusting makes the cake party-ready and extra pretty for the table.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. For easy removal (and a perfectly intact cake), line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. A little attention here saves sticky situations later on!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step—the airy texture you create now will make your cake beautifully tender later.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your batter stays beautifully silky. Stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable bakery fragrance that makes French Strawberry Cake so inviting from the first whiff.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry components first ensures even distribution, so every bite of cake rises and flavors just as it should.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Now, add the flour mixture to the butter-egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (or buttermilk). Begin and end with the flour, gently stirring until the batter is just combined. Don’t overmix—stopping as soon as you can prevents a tough cake and keeps it melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberries and Assemble
Pour the lovely, thick batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Arrange those juicy strawberry halves or slices cut side down in a snug yet pretty pattern—you want every slice to feature a patch of pink. Sprinkle over a tablespoon of coarse or granulated sugar for a shimmery, caramelized effect once baked.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan onto the center oven rack and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake will puff and turn golden, while the strawberries sink in and release their juices. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; a few tender crumbs or a clean pull means your French Strawberry Cake is ready! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully moving it to a wire rack to cool completely—resist slicing too soon, as it finishes setting as it cools.
Step 8: Serve
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish that makes the strawberries pop. Now comes the best part: slice, serve, and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
Keep things enchanting by adding a cloud of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, or an extra handful of sliced strawberries on top. A sprig of fresh mint looks gorgeous for that extra hint of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pairing French Strawberry Cake with a crisp, lightly fruity white wine or a pot of delicate tea can turn any afternoon into a little celebration. For brunch, accompany each slice with a bowl of mixed berries or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to delight your guests, serve individual wedges on vintage plates dusted with powdered sugar, or slice the entire cake horizontally and fill with sweetened cream and extra strawberries for a festive twist. For picnics, pack up slices wrapped in parchment for a rustic, outdoor treat—the cake is sturdy enough to travel but soft enough to feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Strawberry Cake (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) should be cooled completely, then loosely covered and kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, tuck it in the fridge—just know the texture will become a little denser but still delicious.
Freezing
If you’re preparing in advance, this cake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, warm slices for a few seconds in the microwave or wrap loosely in foil and heat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating for a bakery-fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are definitely the star for French Strawberry Cake, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw, drain, and pat them dry thoroughly so they don’t water down the batter.
Can I substitute other berries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of summer berries work beautifully. You’ll get a different but equally delicious cake each time—just keep the total volume about the same as the original.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?
The cake batter is thick enough to keep most of the strawberries near the top, but it’s normal for some to sink a little. If you want more on top, press them gently into the surface right before baking, or lightly toss them in a bit of flour first.
What’s the best way to get an even bake?
Place your cake pan in the center of the oven and try not to open the door too often while it bakes—this helps the French Strawberry Cake bake evenly and rise beautifully golden on top.
Can I make French Strawberry Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (with xanthan gum, if possible). The cake will be just as lovely—watch the baking time, as gluten-free cakes sometimes bake a bit faster.
Final Thoughts
I can truly say that making French Strawberry Cake is one of the happiest ways to celebrate berry season, family gatherings, or simply a slow afternoon. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a memory in the making. I hope you’ll try it soon, and share every sweet, juicy bite with someone you love!
Print
French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this French-inspired Strawberry Cake, a perfect blend of buttery cake and fresh strawberries. This rustic dessert is simple to make yet impressively delicious, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved or sliced)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or granulated sugar
- powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the batter: Pour the batter into the cake pan, arrange strawberries on top, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden. Let cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served fresh, warm, or at room temperature.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Variation: Try with raspberries or blueberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
