Glass dessert

Delicious Strawberry Layered Cake Recipe

The layered cake is a dessert that revives pleasant memories and brings a smile to anyone's face. It's simple to make, yet the result is so elegant and appealing that it will make you feel like a true chef. Perfect for parties, gatherings with friends, or just to treat yourself, this layered cake is sure to become everyone's favorite. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Rum essence (1-2 drops)
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 packet of baking powder

For the Cream:
- 500 ml of milk
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 150 g of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 ml of whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries (a few for decoration and filling)

Preliminaries

Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a better texture. You can also prepare the strawberries by washing and cutting them into small cubes, so they are ready to use.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base

In a large bowl, crack the 2 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the eggs together with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and doubles in volume.

Helpful tip: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This is essential for achieving a well-risen base.

In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Sifting these ingredients will add air to the mixture, making the base fluffy.

Start incorporating the flour mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air. Once everything is well combined, pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Place the pan in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the base passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean). Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Preparing the Cream

In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and flour. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Tip: If you want an even smoother cream, you can strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps.

Once the cream has thickened, add the lemon juice and mix well. Allow it to cool completely.

In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. When the cream has cooled, gradually fold in the whipped cream. Mix gently using a spatula to avoid deflating the whipped cream.

3. Assembling the Cake

Now that you have all the components ready, it's time to assemble the layered cake. Take the glasses you will use and start with a layer of the base. Use a glass or metal ring to cut circles from the cooled base.

Add a layer of cream over the base, followed by some pieces of chopped strawberries. Continue with another layer of base, cream, and strawberries, repeating until the glasses are filled.

Serving suggestion: You can decorate each glass with a piece of strawberry on the rim and a dollop of whipped cream on top for an elegant look.

History and Variations

The layered cake is a modern reinvention of classic desserts. Its origins can be traced back to the tradition of serving cakes in individual portions, but in its current form, it has gained popularity due to its appealing appearance and ease of preparation. You can experiment with different fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, and even add a bit of mascarpone to the cream for an even richer texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This strawberry layered cake is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy option. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the cocoa base provides a source of minerals. In total, one serving has approximately 250 calories, making it a perfect choice for a tasty dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I make the cream more flavorful?
You can add vanilla essence or cocoa powder to the cream for a more complex taste.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water and use plant-based milk for the cream.

Serving Recommendations

This layered cake pairs perfectly with green tea or a strong espresso. Additionally, a glass of sparkling wine would add a festive touch to the occasion.

In conclusion, the strawberry layered cake is a dessert that impresses with its simplicity and refinement. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it is also versatile, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe and surprise your guests with a dessert that looks spectacular and tastes unforgettable. Enjoy!