Savarina cake with whipped cream and strawberries

Strawberry and Whipped Cream Cake: a delicious and refined dessert

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Welcome to the fascinating world of baking, where simple ingredients transform into unforgettable desserts! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a strawberry and whipped cream cake, a delicious dessert that will delight your holiday table or a gathering with friends. It is a simple recipe, but with a spectacular result, perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Brief history of the recipe

The cake, in its various forms, has been popularized over time in many cultures, becoming a favorite choice for everyday desserts as well as for special occasions. This strawberry and whipped cream cake is a modern reinterpretation, bringing a touch of freshness and refinement by adding fresh strawberries and a flavored rum syrup. Each bite offers an explosion of flavors, blending the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of whipped cream and syrup.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 100 ml warm milk
- 300 g sifted flour
- A good pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast

For the syrup:
- 1 cup of water
- 150 g sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)
- Vanilla (to taste)

For decoration:
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Sifting the flour not only removes impurities but also helps aerate the flour, making the cake fluffier. In the center of the flour, make a well and place the yeast. On the edges of the flour, add the salt, powdered sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and pour in the warm milk.

2. Kneading the dough: Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. It is important not to knead too much, as over-kneading can lead to a dense cake. Cover the bowl with oiled plastic wrap to prevent sticking.

3. Proofing the dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. An effective trick is to preheat the oven to 50 degrees Celsius and turn off the heat, then place the dough inside to rise.

4. Shaping the cake: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a cake. Use your hands to give it an even shape. Place it in a greased loaf pan or lined with parchment paper. Cover again with oiled plastic wrap and let it rise until it is nearly at the edge of the pan, about 30 minutes.

5. Preparing the syrup: While the dough is rising, prepare the syrup. In a small pot, combine the sugar with water, vanilla, and rum essence. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

6. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, it should come out clean). When done, let the cake cool completely in the pan.

7. Assembling: Once the cake is cool, pour the cold syrup over it, allowing it to absorb. This will add moisture and intense flavor. Spread the strawberry jam on top, then add the whipped cream and decorate with fresh strawberries.

Serving suggestions

This cake is perfect for serving at a party or as a refined dessert after dinner. You can accompany it with a cup of herbal tea or sparkling wine for an extra touch of elegance. It can also be an excellent choice for a weekend brunch, alongside fresh orange juice.

Nutritional benefits

This strawberry and whipped cream cake not only brings a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that help maintain skin health. Additionally, the flour used provides essential carbohydrates, and the butter adds healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Of course! You can replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different version of this cake.

2. How can I make the cake healthier?
You can replace sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup. Also, a version with whole wheat flour will add extra fiber.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake can be easily frozen! Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Possible variations

This cake can be customized in many ways! Adding chopped nuts or almonds to the dough can bring a crunchy texture. Also, for a more intense flavor, try adding a bit of cocoa to the dough to create a chocolate cake.

I hope you will try this delicious strawberry and whipped cream cake recipe! It is certainly a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!