Simple Strawberry Cake

Fluffy Strawberry Cake: A Quick and Delicious Treat

Who among us doesn't love the fresh aroma of strawberries and the fluffy texture of a cake? This recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to use seasonal fruits, giving them a new life in a delicious dessert. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect cake that will delight everyone’s senses.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
For the batter:
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- ½ cup of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk for a richer taste)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 3 cups of flour
- 1 baking powder

For decoration:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

For fruit jelly (optional):
- 5-6 strawberries and raspberries
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of water

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preparing the strawberries:
We start with the fruit. Wash the strawberries well under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. They will not only add a delicious taste but also a splash of color to the cake.

2. Preparing the batter:
- In a large bowl, crack the eggs and use a mixer to beat them together with the sugar and vanilla essence until the mixture becomes a light-colored foam. This is an important technique, as the air incorporated will make the cake fluffier.
- Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously as if making mayonnaise. This will provide moisture and a fine texture to the cake.
- Continue mixing and add the milk.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually incorporate this into the egg mixture using a whisk. Mix gently until there are no lumps. Be gentle, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

3. Baking the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the batter evenly into the tray.
- Place the sliced strawberries on top of the batter, sprinkling the brown sugar over them to caramelize the fruit while baking.
- Bake the cake for about 30 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

4. Preparing the fruit jelly (optional):
- In a small saucepan, add some strawberries and raspberries, sugar, and water. Boil over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the fruit is soft, use a blender to puree it. You can use this jelly to decorate the cake once it has cooled.

5. Serving:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray, then cut it into squares. Place it on a platter and, if desired, decorate with the prepared fruit jelly or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Practical Tips:
- If you don’t have time to beat the eggs, you can mix all the ingredients directly, but the texture will be slightly different, though the cake will still be just as delicious.
- Strawberries can be replaced with other seasonal fruits such as peaches, apricots, or cherries. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
- The fruit jelly can be omitted, and the cake can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, thanks to the flour and sugar, which provide energy, while the strawberries bring vitamins C and K, as well as the necessary fibers for healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to decorate it with jelly before freezing.
- What drinks go well with this cake? A cup of fruit tea or a glass of fresh lemonade pairs perfectly with the cake's flavor.
- Can I use plant-based milk? Absolutely! Almond milk or soy milk are excellent options for a vegan version.

The fluffy strawberry cake is ideal for a quick dessert, perfect for an afternoon spent with friends or to beautify a festive table. Try this simple recipe and enjoy every slice! Bon appétit!