Introduction to French Strawberry Cake
Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of summer in each bite—this is precisely what the French Strawberry Cake offers. With its soft, custardy center and a delightful crackled top, this cake is more than just visually appealing; it brings an irresistible burst of freshness thanks to the juicy strawberries nestled within.
Why is French Strawberry Cake a Must-Try?
- A Seasonal Treat: There’s something magical about dessert during strawberry season. This cake not only showcases the berries but elevates them to new heights.
- Simple Yet Impressive: You don't have to be a seasoned baker to create this dessert. The straightforward method makes it an ideal project for even novice chefs looking to impress friends or family.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy dinner, the French Strawberry Cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you have a crowd-pleaser!
If you're curious about exploring more about the wonders of baking, consider diving into resources like Taste of Home or Serious Eats for tips and inspiration. Dive into the delightful world of French baking, and don’t miss out on this charming cake that’s sure to make your dessert table shine!
Ingredients for French Strawberry Cake
Essential ingredients for a moist cake
Creating a French Strawberry Cake that’s as light as a cloud starts with the right ingredients. The base consists of 1 ⅓ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons of baking powder, and just ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. These elements work together to give the cake its delicate structure.
You’ll also need ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature for that creamy richness, complemented by 1 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness. Don’t forget 2 large eggs and ½ cup of full-fat sour cream—both key to achieving that moist, custardy texture you’ll love!
Fresh strawberries: the star of the show
Of course, the crown jewel of this dessert is the 16 ounces of fresh strawberries. Make sure to hull, slice, and pat them dry to maintain their vibrant flavor without introducing excess moisture into the cake. Fresh, ripe strawberries really elevate this French Strawberry Cake. For tips on selecting perfect strawberries, check out resources from the California Strawberry Commission.
Step-by-Step Preparation of French Strawberry Cake
Creating a delightful French Strawberry Cake is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the enchanting aroma of baked goodness. Let’s embark on this sweet journey with the following steps:
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While it's warming up, grab a 9-inch springform pan. Generously grease the bottom and the sides with unsalted butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
Whisk together the dry ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients. Take 1 ⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly. This step not only ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent but also helps to aerate the flour, leading to a lighter cake. Set this mixture aside as it waits to join the party.
Cream the butter and sugar
Next, take ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture transforms into a light and fluffy cloud—about 5 minutes should do it. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to incorporate everything evenly.
Incorporate the eggs and vanilla
Once your butter and sugar mix is airy and smooth, it’s time to add in 2 large room-temperature eggs, one by one. Beat well after each addition. Then, add 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor that will elevate your cake to new heights!
Combine the flour and sour cream
Lower the mixer speed and add half of your dry flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Then, introduce ½ cup of full-fat sour cream into the batter and combine, allowing for that luscious, moist texture. Follow this with the remaining flour mixture—remember, don’t overmix, as this will lead to a dry cake.
Fold in the strawberries
Now comes the exciting part! Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of sliced fresh strawberries using a rubber spatula. This step not only adds beautiful color but also infuses each bite with fruity sweetness. You can save some strawberry slices for the top of the cake.
Bake the cake to perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange your reserved strawberry slices on top and sprinkle with 1 ½ tablespoons of granulated sugar for that perfect, crackly crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—just the way we like it!
Cool and release from the springform pan
Once your French Strawberry Cake has baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack completely. To release the cake from the pan, run a butter knife dipped in hot water around the edges. This little trick makes it so much easier! Unlatch your springform and gently remove the ring.
Now, it's time to slice and enjoy your masterpiece! Whether you're serving it at a gathering or indulging solo, this French Strawberry Cake is bound to impress. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Variations on French Strawberry Cake
Exploring variations on the classic French Strawberry Cake can elevate your baking game while celebrating seasonal flavors. Here are two delicious twists that might just steal the show at your next gathering.
Strawberry and Lemon Twist
Brighten up your French Strawberry Cake with a delightful lemon twist! Simply add the zest of one large lemon to the batter before folding in the strawberries. This citrusy addition adds a refreshing zing that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a light lemon glaze over the finished cake.
Strawberry Almond Version
For a nutty flavor enhancement, try the strawberry almond version of this cake. Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour and add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. The result? A moist, flavorful cake with a lovely almond aroma that pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries. Serve with whipped cream and sliced almonds for an elegant touch.
Feel free to experiment with these variations and impress your guests with your creativity! For more inspiration, you can check out Bakerella’s blog or Serious Eats.
Cooking Tips and Notes for French Strawberry Cake
Ensuring the cake stays moist
To keep your French Strawberry Cake perfectly moist, here are a few essential tips: Firstly, be sure to use room temperature ingredients—this helps your batter come together smoothly and allows for better incorporation of air. Additionally, avoid overmixing your batter, which can lead to a denser cake. Lastly, if you want to take it a step further, consider brushing the cooled cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water for an extra splash of moisture.
Using ripe strawberries for the best flavor
Selecting the best strawberries is key to making your French Strawberry Cake truly shine. Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries that are deep red in color. They not only burst with flavor but also add a beautiful presentation to your cake. Did you know that local, in-season strawberries can be sweeter and more vibrant? Check out this guide for tips on sourcing strawberries near you. Also, remember to pat them dry after rinsing—this keeps the batter from becoming too wet!
Serving Suggestions for French Strawberry Cake
Pairing with Whipped Cream
When it comes to enhancing your French Strawberry Cake, a cloud of whipped cream is a delightful pairing. Lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla, it complements the cake’s fresh strawberry flavor beautifully. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream until it forms soft peaks or opt for a store-bought variety for convenience. This airy topping not only adds richness but also a lovely contrast to the cake's moist texture. Don’t forget to dollop some on each slice as you serve—it takes the experience to a whole new level!
Complementing with a Berry Coulis
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle your slice of French Strawberry Cake with a berry coulis. Simply blend fresh or frozen berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, then strain the mixture to achieve a silky consistency. This tangy sauce not only enhances the cake visually but also brings out the sweet notes of the strawberries in the cake. Plus, it’s a great way to utilize seasonal fruit! Serve your cake with both whipped cream and coulis for a dessert that feels truly gourmet.
For more tips on creating fabulous accompaniments, check out this resource on dessert pairings.
Time Breakdown for French Strawberry Cake
Preparation Time
Getting your ingredients ready for this delightful French Strawberry Cake takes about 15 minutes. Make sure to have everything prepped, from slicing your fresh strawberries to measuring out your flour. This will keep the process smooth and enjoyable!
Bake Time
Once your batter is ready and in the oven, you’ll need to wait for the magic to happen for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on your cake and check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean when it’s perfectly baked.
Total Time
In total, you’ll invest about 55 minutes from start to finish. This includes both preparation and baking time, making it a quick yet impressive dessert for any occasion. Ready to impress your friends and family? The delicious reward will be well worth it!
For more tips on maximizing your baking time, check out resources like Baking Basics. They provide great insights on how to make the most of your kitchen experience!
Nutritional Facts for French Strawberry Cake
Approximate calories per slice
Each slice of this delightful French Strawberry Cake contains roughly 250 calories. It's a satisfying treat that beautifully balances indulgence with lighter elements, especially with the fresh strawberries added to the mix.
Sugars and fats
In terms of sugars and fats, expect about 15 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat per slice. The natural sweetness from the strawberries contributes significantly to the cake’s flavor, making it a lovely dessert without overwhelming your dietary goals.
For more details about the nutritional value of strawberries, check out Healthline. If you're particularly interested in cake recipes that are both delicious and a bit healthier, consider exploring EatingWell.
FAQs about French Strawberry Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones in your French Strawberry Cake. Simply ensure they are thawed and drained to eliminate excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture. Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor, but frozen ones can still create a delicious dessert when fresh are out of season.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your French Strawberry Cake at its best, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. If you have more cake to save, refrigerate it for up to three days. Just be sure it’s covered lightly to prevent the strawberries from becoming too soggy.
What’s the best way to serve it?
This delightful cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve it plain, or elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat. Consider pairing it with a refreshing herbal tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
For more tips on serving cake, check out this article.
Conclusion on French Strawberry Cake
Embrace the Homemade Goodness
In wrapping up your delightful experience with French Strawberry Cake, remember that homemade desserts exude warmth and love. Each slice offers a burst of fresh fruit and a soft, dreamy texture that’s irresistible. Share it with friends or enjoy it solo—either way, this cake is sure to impress! For more tips on baking with seasonal fruits, check out this article on seasonal dessert ideas. Enjoy your baking journey!
French Strawberry Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- mixing bowl
- rubber spatula
- baking rack
- butter knife
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour unbleached
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt fine
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup full fat sour cream room temperature
Strawberries
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries hull, slice and pat dry
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Baking Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk to combine then set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated.
- Beat in vanilla.
- Reduce mixer speed to low then add ½ cup of flour mixture. Beat until combined.
- Add sour cream and continue beating on low until incorporated.
- Add remaining flour, beating on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing or cake will be dry.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries into the batter.
- Spread cake batter into greased springform pan then smooth top with a spatula.
- Arrange remaining sliced strawberries onto top of batter.
- Sprinkle cake batter with 1 ½ Tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
- Place pan on a baking rack and allow cake to cool completely.
- To remove springform pan ring, wet a butter knife with hot water then carefully glide it around the outer side of the cake to separate it from the pan. Next, unlatch springform pan and remove the rim.
- Slice and serve cake.
- Cake is best the day it is made but it can be loosely covered and stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.
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