French Strawberry Cake : A Sweet, Simple, and Stunning Dessert Recipe

If you love light, fruity, and rustic desserts, then this French Strawberry Cake will steal your heart. With its tender crumb, fresh strawberry pockets, and slightly crisp sugar top, this cake is one of the most delightful strawberry desserts you’ll ever bake. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s the kind of cake you can serve at brunch, after dinner, or with a late-afternoon cup of tea.

Whether you’re already dreaming of summer strawberries or just craving something sweet and elegant, this is a must-try addition to your list of strawberry dessert recipes. It’s perfect for those who believe in the “Eat Dessert First” philosophy—or who simply love a good sweet treat.

Let’s dive in.

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Why You’ll Love This French Strawberry Cake

This cake is beloved for good reason. It’s the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined flavor. Here’s why it stands out from other strawberry cake recipes:

• No fancy techniques required – Just mix, pour, top with strawberries, and bake.
• Versatile and seasonal – Great for spring and summer but delicious year-round.
• Unpretentious elegance – Beautiful enough for guests, simple enough for weekday baking.
• Perfect texture – Light, buttery cake meets juicy strawberry pockets and golden sugar top.
• No frosting needed – It’s sweet and complete just as it is.

Pair it with Fruit Dip or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious finish.

Ingredients for French Strawberry Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this French-inspired fruit dessert. Try to use the freshest strawberries you can find!

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fresh Fruit:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

Optional:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream or yogurt for serving

💡 Tip: To make this cake even more special, you can gently toss your strawberries in a teaspoon of sugar and lemon juice before placing them on top. This helps enhance their sweetness and draws out their juices.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy to bake this cake, but here’s what will help make the process smoother:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch springform pan or cake pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

For a beautiful brunch presentation, you could even serve it on a cake stand with fresh mint or edible flowers for garnish. For another elegant breakfast or brunch idea, check out these Strawberry Protein Pancakes.

How to Make French Strawberry Cake (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to bring this cake to life from scratch—no boxed mix, no shortcuts, just pure baking joy.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract. Then add the milk and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be smooth but not overworked.

Step 6: Pour and Top

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the strawberry halves, cut side down, all across the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the strawberries.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the ring. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, Fruit Dip, or yogurt on the side.

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Tips for Baking with Fresh Strawberries

• Choose firm, ripe berries. Overripe strawberries may become too mushy during baking.
• Pat them dry. Moisture from wet berries can make your cake soggy.
• Avoid frozen strawberries. They release too much liquid and don’t hold their shape well.
• Add strawberries last. This helps them stay on top and bake into the surface beautifully.

For a fall-inspired twist, try using sliced apples and refer to this Apple Crisp Recipe for spice inspiration.

Serving Ideas for French Strawberry Cake

This cake is a natural showstopper on its own, but here are a few serving upgrades:

• Top with whipped cream or crème fraîche
• Add a drizzle of Fruit Dip for a fun and indulgent side
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
• Garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers
• Layer it with yogurt for a breakfast parfait vibe

For even more fun, slice it into thin wedges and serve alongside other mini Sweets Treats on a dessert board.

What Makes This French Strawberry Cake Special?

Unlike American-style strawberry shortcakes or layer cakes, the French version is more understated yet elegant. It’s less sweet, more buttery, and relies on the strawberries’ natural flavor rather than sugary fillings or frostings.

It’s the dessert equivalent of a linen dress: timeless, breezy, and effortlessly beautiful.

If you love French-style simplicity, you may also enjoy Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl—another rustic classic.

More Strawberry Dessert Recipes to Try

Can’t get enough strawberry sweets? We’ve got you covered. Try:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
• Strawberry Protein Pancakes
• Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips — perfect for serving with extra strawberries
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars – for a mixed berry moment

Bookmark them all if you believe in the Eat Dessert First mindset!

How to Store French Strawberry Cake

This cake is best enjoyed the day it’s baked, but leftovers can be kept fresh for several days with these tips:

• Room Temperature: Store covered for 1 day.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze slices individually wrapped, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and warm briefly before serving.

Build a Strawberry-Themed Menu

Pair your cake with these savory and light dishes to keep things balanced:

• Cucumber Shrimp Salad – fresh and protein-packed
• Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls – a hearty morning base
• Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – a creamy yet light companion

It’s a strawberry celebration from start to finish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using wet strawberries: Always dry them first.
• Overmixing the batter: Leads to a tough cake texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Skipping the sugar topping: It gives the top a beautiful golden crust—don’t skip it!

Want more baking know-how? This Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies recipe teaches great ingredient balancing for soft, chewy bakes.

Healthier Variations and Substitutions

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber
• Swap sugar for coconut sugar
• Try Greek yogurt instead of butter for a protein boost
• Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 baking blend
• Use different fruits like blueberries, cherries, or raspberries

If you’re seeking lighter treats, Snickerdoodle Protein Bites are another sweet, satisfying alternative.

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FAQs: French Strawberry Cake at Home

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best. Frozen berries often release too much moisture, making the cake soggy.

What kind of pan should I use?
A 9-inch springform pan is ideal, but a standard cake pan works as long as you grease it well.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free butter and milk alternative.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two pans or a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What does the sugar on top do?
It caramelizes slightly, creating a lovely golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath.

Conclusion: French Strawberry Cake is the Sweet Treat You Deserve

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to embrace the joy of eating dessert first, this French Strawberry Cake is here to deliver. Bursting with real fruit flavor and layered with simple elegance, it’s one of those strawberry recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

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Craving more cake bliss? Browse our full Dessert collection for ideas that hit every craving.

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