Description
This French Strawberry Cake is a delightful, moist dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a tender butter cake base. Featuring a crackly sugar topping, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruity freshness, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Cake Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Flour Mixture and Sour Cream: Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Strawberries: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly without crushing them.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle some extra granulated sugar on top of the batter to create a crackly, sweet crust once baked.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added decadence.
Notes
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added moisture.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- The extra sugar sprinkle on top creates a delicate crackly crust after baking.
- Can be served with whipped cream or ice cream to elevate the dessert.