Cake with whipped cream and strawberries

The strawberry and whipped cream dessert is a perfect choice for any special occasion, whether it’s a celebration, an anniversary, or simply a springtime treat bursting with freshness. This light cake, with delicious layers of whipped cream, yogurt, and strawberries, brings a touch of joy in every bite. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this recipe, which not only impresses with its appearance but also with its refined taste. Let’s embark on a journey into the world of desserts!

Total time: 3 hours (including 20 minutes of preparation and 2 hours of cooling)
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 375-400 g natural yogurt
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of whipped cream stabilizer
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract to taste
- 4 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 packet of gelatin (+ 2 tablespoons of sugar)

For decoration:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 1 packet of gelatin (+ 2 tablespoons of sugar)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important to use fresh eggs to achieve a fluffy meringue.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and begin beating them with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is essential for adding volume to the base.

3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently folding them in with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. Adding the flour: Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a top-to-bottom motion to maintain the airiness.

5. Baking the base: Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the batter into the pan and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Preparing the gelatin: In a small bowl, follow the instructions on the gelatin packet. Typically, it dissolves in cold water and is left to swell for 5-10 minutes, then gently heated until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool.

2. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream with the whipped cream stabilizer until it becomes firm. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy and airy texture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the natural yogurt with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well, then add the cooled gelatin and mix again.

4. Incorporating the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture with a spatula, being careful not to lose volume.

5. Assembling the cake: Once the base has completely cooled, spread the strawberry jam over it. Then, pour the yogurt and cream mixture over the base, leveling it out nicely.

Step 3: Decorating

1. Preparing the strawberries: Wash the strawberries well and cut them in half or slices, as desired.

2. Adding the strawberries: Arrange the strawberries on top of the yogurt cream, arranging them aesthetically. This will add a contrast of colors and make the cake more appealing.

3. Finishing with gelatin: Prepare another batch of gelatin according to the package instructions. Once it has cooled slightly, carefully pour it over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Step 4: Cooling and serving

- Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so that the gelatin sets and the flavors meld perfectly.

- When it’s time to serve, cut the cake into portions and enjoy every delicious bite.

Useful tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh, quality strawberries, as they will make a difference in the final flavor. If strawberries are not available, you can substitute with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches.

- Textures: If you prefer a cake with a thinner layer of gelatin, make sure to apply it while it’s still warm but not hot to avoid melting the cream.

- Serving: You can serve the cake with a berry sauce or a dollop of natural yogurt on top for added creaminess.

Nutritional benefits

This strawberry and whipped cream cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which support digestive health. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt for a denser texture or coconut yogurt for a vegan option.

2. What can I do if I don’t have whipped cream stabilizer?
Replace it with another stabilizing agent, such as additional gelatin or sour cream.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

4. Can it be frozen?
While the cake is best kept in the refrigerator, you can freeze the plain base, and prepare the cream fresh upon thawing.

Delicious pairings

This cake pairs wonderfully with a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a glass of white wine or prosecco would add a touch of elegance to a gathering with friends.

In conclusion, the strawberry and whipped cream cake is not just a quick dessert but also a delightful experience full of flavors and textures that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for an anniversary or just to treat yourself, the result will always be spectacular. Happy cooking!