Sponge cake with strawberries

Quick Strawberry Cake – A Seasonal Delight

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings a touch of joy to your days, you have come to the right place! This strawberry cake is perfect for a Friday night when you want to indulge in something sweet but don’t have much time. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, it will surprise you with its fluffy texture and irresistible aroma of fresh strawberries.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of salt
- 250 g fresh strawberries
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Necessary Utensils

- A 15/25 cm baking tray
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Oven

Nutritional Information

This cake is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a dessert. Additionally, this dessert has a moderate calorie content, making it a healthier option compared to others.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Strawberry Cake

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to have all ingredients at room temperature to achieve the best texture for the cake. Make sure the strawberries are fresh, preferably from the garden, for an intense flavor.

2. Mixing the Yolks
In a bowl, beat the yolks with 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the oil. It is important to obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. You can use a mixer to save time.

3. Preparing the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. This is the secret to a fluffy cake!

4. Incorporating the Mixtures
Using a spatula, gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue, being careful not to deflate it. Gradually add the flour and the baking powder, mixing gently from the bottom up.

5. Preparing the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. If you want them to stay better in the cake, you can dust them with a little flour before adding them. This trick will help them not to sink in the batter.

6. Assembling and Baking
Line the tray with baking paper and pour in the sponge mixture. Arrange the cut strawberries evenly on the surface of the batter and sprinkle the third packet of vanilla sugar on top. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 20-30 minutes. The toothpick test is key to checking if the cake is ready: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, it means it is perfectly baked.

7. Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. If you want to make it even more decadent, serve it with whipped cream or vanilla custard.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This recipe is extremely versatile! You can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create a different cake each time. You can also experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and dry them well before adding them to the batter.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.

3. Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
Of course! You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to one-third without significantly affecting the texture of the cake.

This strawberry cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from family parties to gatherings with friends. It is simple, quick, and, most importantly, delicious! So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy this wonderful recipe. Enjoy your meal!