22 Nov 2025
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1.25 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup self-raising flour
3/4 cup sour cream
2 cups strawberries
The French Strawberry Dessert Cake is a delightful and elegant treat perfect for any occasion. With its luscious blend of sweet strawberries and creamy sour cream, this cake offers a perfect balance of flavors that will please both your taste buds and your guests. Let's walk through the steps to create this exquisite dessert.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Add the salt and mix until combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the self-raising flour to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add the Sour Cream:
- Gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Prepare the Strawberries:
- Hull the strawberries and cut them in half if they are large. If the strawberries are small, you can leave them whole.
6. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Place about half of the strawberries on top of the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the strawberries and spread it out evenly.
- Arrange the rest of the strawberries on top of the batter, gently pressing them into the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Cool the Cake:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cool, dust it with powdered sugar if desired.
- Slice and serve this delightful French strawberry dessert cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This French Strawberry Dessert Cake is a true testament to the simple yet divine flavors of French cuisine. Serve it as a stunning finish to your meal or as an indulgent afternoon treat, and watch your guests fall in love with every bite.
French strawberry dessert cake FAQ:
What is the baking time for the French strawberry dessert cake?
Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
How should I store leftover strawberry dessert cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Always wrap it tightly before freezing.
Can I substitute self-raising flour with regular flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to achieve a similar rise.
What can I use instead of sour cream in this recipe?
If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute in equal amounts. Both will maintain moisture and flavor.
How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Sift the self-raising flour to avoid any lumps in your batter.
- Gently fold in the strawberries to avoid crushing them and releasing too much juice.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.