French Strawberry Cake is a light, moist, and irresistibly flavorful dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of strawberries. This rustic cake is incredibly easy to make, yet it looks elegant enough to be the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, planning a summer picnic, or craving something delightful for dessert, this cake is the perfect choice. With its fluffy texture, juicy strawberries, and a hint of vanilla, this cake embodies the essence of simplicity and indulgence.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make this delightful French Strawberry Cake with step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and customization options to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love French Strawberry Cake

Quick and Simple: This cake requires minimal prep and uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Rustic and Beautiful: The rough-chopped strawberries and sugar-sprinkled top create a natural, rustic look that’s effortlessly elegant.
Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery richness, vanilla notes, and the tangy sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Versatile: Enjoy it plain, or dress it up with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious French Strawberry Cake:

For the Cake:

1 1/3 cups flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its tender structure.
1 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
1 stick of softened butter: Adds richness and creates a moist crumb.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Makes the cake incredibly moist and tender. Use low-fat if preferred.
2 cups rough chopped strawberries: The star of the recipe, bringing bursts of natural sweetness.

For Finishing:

Sugar for sprinkling: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the top of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a soft, tender cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor.

5. Alternate Adding Flour and Sour Cream

On low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture to ensure the batter stays light and well-mixed.

6. Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold in the rough-chopped strawberries using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this could crush the strawberries and make the batter overly wet.

7. Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top generously with sugar to create a delicate, caramelized crust as it bakes. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve directly from the pan or plate it for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for the Best French Strawberry Cake

Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature for a smooth, evenly mixed batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Customizable Fruit Options: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can swap them for blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to create a new flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

French Strawberry Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:

Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy touch.
Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cake before serving.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Storing: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why French Strawberry Cake Stands Out

French Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simplicity and natural flavors. Its light texture, juicy strawberries, and rustic charm make it a favorite for any occasion. Unlike heavily frosted cakes, this recipe lets the fresh strawberries shine, creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.