Name: French Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 can cooking spray; 1 ¼ cups white sugar (divided); 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup sour cream; 1 (16 ounce) fresh strawberries (stemmed and halved)

Introduction to French Strawberry Cake

Trying your hand at baking a French Strawberry Cake at home is not just about enjoying a delicious dessert — it’s an experience that brings joy. In today’s world of convenience, it’s tempting to grab a cake from the nearest store. However, opting for a homemade version has its distinct advantages.

Why Choose a Homemade Cake Over Store-Bought?

Customization: When you bake at home, you have full control over the ingredients. Want less sugar? Prefer organic strawberries? You can make it exactly to your taste.
Quality Ingredients: Homemade cakes often come with fresher, higher-quality ingredients. You’re using ripe, fresh strawberries, and you know exactly what’s in your cake — no preservatives or artificial flavors lurking in the mix.
Nostalgia and Comfort: Baking can evoke fond memories and a sense of achievement. The aroma of a French Strawberry Cake baking in your oven creates a cozy atmosphere that simply can’t be replicated by store-bought options.
Create Memories: Baking is a great way to bond with friends or family. Imagine gathering everyone around to make this delightful cake together!

Next time you think about reaching for a pre-made cake, consider the love and creativity that comes with making your own French Strawberry Cake. Not only will it taste better, but it can also become a cherished activity. Ready to bake? Let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for French Strawberry Cake

Essential ingredients and their roles

Creating a delightful French Strawberry Cake starts with a handful of essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that light and fluffy texture:

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
White Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with its aromatic notes.
Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: The flour forms the base, the baking powder gives lift, and the salt balances sweetness.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake soft.
Strawberries: The star of the show! They bring natural sweetness and a burst of flavor.

Tips for selecting the best strawberries

When making your French Strawberry Cake, selecting the right strawberries is paramount. Here are a few tips to ensure you pick the best:

Look for ripeness: Choose bright red, plump berries with no green or white spots.
Check for firmness: Opt for strawberries that are firm but not rock hard, indicating freshness.
Smell for sweetness: Ripe strawberries will have a fragrant, sweet aroma.

Remember, fresh, high-quality strawberries will take your cake to the next level! Want more tips on finding the best produce? Check out this guide for expert advice.

Preparing French Strawberry Cake

Making a French Strawberry Cake may seem intimidating at first, but I'm here to guide you step by step through this delightful process. You’ll love how simple it is, and the resulting cake will impress anyone you serve it to. Let's dive right in!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure you have all your ingredients organized. You will need:

Cooking spray
1 ¼ cups white sugar (divided)
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sour cream
1 (16-ounce) package fresh strawberries, stemmed and halved

Taking a moment to gather everything will make your baking experience smoother.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven is warming up, take an 8-inch round cake pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will ensure your cake comes out easily after baking. If you like, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra peace of mind!

Cream the Sugar and Butter

Now the magic begins! In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and the stick of butter. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is critical as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next. Finish by incorporating the vanilla extract. The aroma will already be fantastic!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only combines your dry ingredients but also helps to aerate the flour, which is essential for a delicate cake.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light — we don’t want to overmix here!

Fold in the Strawberries

With your batter ready, gently fold in the halved strawberries. This adds a beautiful fruity flavor and lovely texture to your French Strawberry Cake. Consider saving a few pieces to use as decoration on top.

Pour into the Prepared Pan

Carefully spread the batter into your prepared cake pan. For a sweet touch on top, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar evenly over the batter. It will create a lovely caramelized crust as it bakes.

Bake and Cool the Cake

Pop your cake into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Now you have a delightful French Strawberry Cake ready to be sliced and enjoyed! Remember to serve with additional strawberries on top for that extra flair. Happy baking!

Variations on French Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Style

If you're a fan of classic strawberry shortcake, why not give this French Strawberry Cake a twist? After baking, slice the cake horizontally, layer it with whipped cream, and add fresh strawberries in between. Top it off with a generous dollop of cream and more strawberries for a delightful, layered effect. This approach not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.

Adding Citrus Flavors

For a refreshing twist, consider infusing your French Strawberry Cake with citrus. A bit of freshly grated lemon or orange zest mixed into the batter brightens the flavors and complements the sweetness of the strawberries. You can also drizzle a citrus glaze—made from powdered sugar and citrus juice—over the finished cake for an extra zing. This simple addition can elevate your dessert from delightful to extraordinary!

Cooking tips and notes for French Strawberry Cake

Importance of ingredient temperature

Using ingredients at the right temperature is crucial for your French Strawberry Cake. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, as this helps it cream properly with sugar, creating a light and airy batter. Additionally, eggs should also be at room temperature to incorporate smoothly, ensuring an even distribution of moisture.

How to avoid sinking strawberries

To prevent your strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake, consider tossing them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them stay suspended while baking, allowing for beautiful bursts of berry flavor throughout the cake. Enjoy a slice topped with fresh strawberries for an extra touch!

For more tips on baking techniques, check out resources from culinary experts like the BBC Good Food or Serious Eats.

Serving suggestions for French Strawberry Cake

Pairing with Fresh Whipped Cream

Elevate your French Strawberry Cake by serving it with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. The creaminess complements the cake’s light texture and enhances the strawberry flavor. To make it even more enticing, consider adding a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This simple addition transforms your dessert into a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a weekend brunch.

Adding a Strawberry Compote

For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a homemade strawberry compote over each slice of your French Strawberry Cake. Just simmer fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they soften. This not only brightens the cake visually but also adds a deliciously sweet-tart layer that pairs wonderfully with the fluffy cake.

Looking for inspiration? Check out this guide on making fruit compotes for more techniques and flavor combinations!

Time Breakdown for French Strawberry Cake

Preparation Time

This delightful French Strawberry Cake requires about 20 minutes for preparation. During this time, you'll gather your ingredients and whip up the batter, allowing yourself to enjoy the anticipation of the deliciousness that’s about to unfold!

Baking Time

Once your cake is in the oven, it will take approximately 40 minutes to bake. Make sure to keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of this period. A toothpick test will reveal if it's ready!

Total Time

In total, you're looking at around 1 hour from start to finish. This includes both the prep and baking time, making it a perfect choice for a delightful dessert that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day!

For further tips on timing and perfect results, consider checking out some baking resources to enhance your skills!

Nutritional Facts for French Strawberry Cake

Calories

Indulging in a slice of French Strawberry Cake gives you approximately 294 calories. It’s a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your daily caloric goals.

Fats and Sugars

This cake contains about 13 grams of total fat, with 8 grams of saturated fat, pairing beautifully with around 27 grams of sugar. It’s a sweeter option but balanced by the tartness of fresh strawberries.

Vitamins and Minerals

Packed with essential nutrients, the French Strawberry Cake provides significant amounts of Vitamin C (27 mg) and Calcium (65 mg), while also including Iron (1 mg) and Potassium (121 mg). Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it also offers nutritional benefits!

For further reading on the benefits of strawberries, check out the USDA’s produce nutrition database here. Understanding how ingredients affect your health can make your baking adventures even more rewarding!

FAQs about French Strawberry Cake

How can I ensure my cake is moist?

To keep your French Strawberry Cake moist, make sure not to overmix the batter—mix until just combined. Adding sour cream, as this recipe does, also enhances moisture. You can test your cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Can I substitute ingredients for a healthier version?

Absolutely! You can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. For a lighter cake, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, which will still add moisture and a bit of tang. Experimenting with whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can also boost the nutritional content.

What's the best way to store leftover cake?

To keep your French Strawberry Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy!

For more tips on storing cakes, check out resources from the American Bakers Association.

Conclusion on French Strawberry Cake

Embrace homemade cakes for special occasions! This French Strawberry Cake brings lightness to your dessert table and is a delight to share. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a weekend treat, its fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor that will impress your guests. Try it today!