Cake with vanilla cream and strawberries

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Cake: A Celebration of Flavors

The vanilla cream and strawberry cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and nostalgia. It was created with love to celebrate a special occasion, my father's anniversary. Its fluffy walnut base and smooth vanilla cream blend perfectly with juicy strawberries and melted chocolate, transforming each slice into a true delicacy.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Here’s how you can make this delicious cake!

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 10 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- a pinch of baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 400 ml of milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g of butter
- half a vanilla pod

For the syrup:
- 500 ml of water
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest (from preserved orange)

For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, to taste
- 200 ml of liquid cream
- 200 g of pastry chocolate
- Optional: milk, to thin the chocolate

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the eggs. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm foam. Incorporate the yolks, one at a time, gently mixing after each.
In another bowl, combine the flour, ground walnuts, and baking powder. Add the dry mixture to the egg composition, mixing with a spatula in circular motions to avoid losing air from the base.
Pour the mixture into a round baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 25 minutes to avoid the cake sinking.

2. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, add 500 ml of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and the orange zest. Place over medium heat and let boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup is ready, let it cool.

3. Preparing the vanilla cream:
In a small pot, heat the milk over low heat. In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, seeds from the vanilla pod, and flour. Slowly add the warm milk, stirring continuously. Place the mixture over low heat and continue stirring until it thickens. It is essential not to let the mixture boil, as the eggs may curdle.
Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat, add the butter, and mix well until completely melted. Let the cream cool slightly.

4. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has cooled, cut it into two parts, ensuring that the bottom is thicker than the top. Generously soak each part with the orange syrup.
Spread the vanilla cream on the base, covering evenly, then place the top over it.

5. Decorating the cake:
Whip the liquid cream with a mixer until fluffy, but do not overbeat, as you want it to remain smooth. Cover the cake with melted chocolate (if it is too thick, you can add a little warm milk to thin it).
Decorate with whipped cream and prepared strawberries (washed, dried, and dipped in chocolate, if desired). Refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving, to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld.

Useful tips:
- You can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the base for an extra flavor.
- If you don’t have pastry chocolate, you can use dark or milk chocolate, but be careful with the proportions.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge, but it is best consumed within 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake offers a delicious combination of protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the butter and walnuts, as well as antioxidants from the strawberries. It is a perfect choice for a special occasion, bringing not only pleasure but also nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and in the syrup, or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Can I prepare the cake in advance?
Absolutely! The cake keeps well in the fridge and can be prepared a day before the event.

This vanilla cream and strawberry cake is ideal to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, turning into a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy every moment of preparing and savoring this delight! Enjoy your meal!