Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a standard 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan and grease it lightly with coconut oil. For a foolproof release, line the bottom with a circle of unbleached parchment paper. Proper pan preparation ensures your beautiful bake slides out flawlessly for an elegant presentation.Step 2: Toss the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and dice your strawberries. In a small bowl, toss the 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of your measured flour. Pro Tip: Coating the fruit in flour creates a microscopic barrier that prevents the heavy, water-dense berries from sinking straight to the bottom of your cake pan during the baking process.Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the room-temperature eggs, pure honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Ensure your coconut oil has cooled slightly before mixing; if it is too hot, it may scramble the eggs. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, pale, and emulsified.Step 4: Sift and Combine the Dry Elements
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gently pour this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Using a silicone spatula, fold the batter together using a gentle, sweeping motion. Stop mixing when there are still a few flour streaks visible—overmixing activates gluten and leads to a tough, rubbery texture.Step 5: Fold in the Fruit
Gently fold your flour-coated diced strawberries into the batter. Do this in just three or four folding motions to keep the batter light. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the remaining ½ cup of sliced strawberries in a beautiful circular pattern on top of the batter.Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 38 to 45 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown, the edges pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely