French Strawberry Cake Recipe
The French Strawberry Cake is the kind of rustic, charming dessert that instantly brings the feeling of a sunny afternoon in the countryside right to your kitchen. A beautifully golden, buttery crumb forms the backdrop for juicy, sweet strawberries that melt into the cake as it bakes, their ruby color peeking through the sugar-sparkled top. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed dinner party or looking for an easy but impressive treat to brighten up your week, this cake is a breeze to bake and an absolute joy to eat. Every bite brims with fresh, summery flavor, making this recipe a must for anyone with a soft spot for old-fashioned French baking and the simple, comforting pleasures of peak-season fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a French Strawberry Cake doesn’t require anything fancy—just a handful of quality ingredients that truly shine when baked together. Each one plays a vital role: helping the cake rise, keeping it rich and tender, or making the strawberries pop with color and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Ensures a gentle, even lift so your cake isn’t too dense.
- Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds that signature French richness; room temperature is key for creamy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and teams up with the butter for a fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a gorgeous aroma and warmth to the crumb.
- Whole milk: Moistens the batter and creates a tender, cloud-like crumb.
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved): The star ingredient—choose the ripest, juiciest berries you can find.
- Turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar for topping): Sprinkled on top, this creates a delightful, crunchy crust.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A classic French finish for that lovely, bakery-style touch.
How to Make French Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan generously—you want every slice to release cleanly, so don’t skimp on this step. Lining the bottom with parchment paper makes the finished cake even easier to turn out.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step prevents any little pockets of baking powder and ensures your cake will rise evenly without denseness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes two to three minutes and gives the finished cake its gorgeous, airy crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays smooth and emulsified. Don’t forget the vanilla extract here; it rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. This gentle approach keeps your French Strawberry Cake fluffy and tender.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Strawberries
Scrape the thick, luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Now comes the fun part: gently press the halved strawberries, cut side down, right into the batter. Space them evenly for that iconic berry-studded look.
Step 7: Sugar Sprinkle and Bake
Sprinkle the top generously with turbinado or granulated sugar. This forms a delicate, crackly crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Slide your cake into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust with a flutter of powdered sugar right before serving, and watch those strawberries gleam!
How to Serve French Strawberry Cake

Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a simple dusting of powdered sugar on a French Strawberry Cake. For a little more flair, try adding fresh mint leaves, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few extra sliced strawberries on top for that striking, bakery-window effect. Each garnish lets the cake’s rustic elegance shine through.
Side Dishes
While this cake is delightful all on its own, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche. For a festive brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a chilled glass of rosé—the flavors play together deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the French Strawberry Cake into slim wedges and serve each on a vintage dessert plate. Or, for a picnic or casual get-together, cut the cake into squares and tuck them into paper wrappers. The rustic look is part of the charm, so don’t be afraid to make this cake the star of any dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few slices left, cover the French Strawberry Cake with foil or transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay tender and flavorful for a day or two.
Freezing
Want to keep a taste of summer on hand? French Strawberry Cake can be frozen in individual slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—just note that the texture may become slightly more moist after freezing.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer more of a freshly-baked feel, set the cake on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes. The strawberries’ flavor will come right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries really give French Strawberry Cake its special character, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen—we recommend thawing and draining them first to avoid extra moisture in the cake.
What other fruits work well in this cake?
Raspberries and blueberries are wonderful alternatives, adding their own burst of flavor and color. You could also try sliced peaches for a late-summer twist. Just keep fruit pieces relatively small so they bake evenly.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
If you plan to eat the French Strawberry Cake within a day, leaving it covered at room temperature is fine. For longer storage, refrigerate to keep it fresh (especially if you’re in a warm climate).
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should gently pull away from the pan, and the strawberries will glisten with ruby juiciness.
Can I make the French Strawberry Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and be sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The cake stays just as moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If simple, sun-kissed baking speaks to your heart, I hope you’ll try this French Strawberry Cake soon. From its tender crumb to the vibrant bursts of berry, it’s a little celebration of the season—and a lovely way to share something sweet with the people you love.
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French Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that features a light and buttery crumb topped with fresh strawberries. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan, arrange halved strawberries on top, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed on the day it’s made for optimal freshness.
- Raspberries or blueberries can be used as delicious alternatives to strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg