Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup light olive oil, or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 oz strawberries, hulled
• 1 tsp powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 16 oz strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line the base with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the strawberries for the batter: dice 6 oz and cut the remaining 6 oz into halves.

Make the Cake Batter:

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
2. Add the sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until fully blended.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter in three parts, mixing on medium-low speed. Allow each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
2. Evenly scatter the diced strawberries over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.
4. Arrange the halved strawberries on the surface, cut side down, pressing them gently into the batter.
5. Bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes (about 50 minutes works well), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake sit in the pan for 15–20 minutes before removing the outer ring.

Cool and Serve:

1. Run a thin spatula around the edges to loosen the cake, then transfer it to a serving plate. Allow it to cool until just warm or completely at room temperature.
2. Before serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired, and spoon strawberry sauce over each slice.

Make the Strawberry Sauce:

• While the cake is in the oven, prepare the sauce:
  Blend the strawberries and sugar together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.

• To measure flour accurately, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.