Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake – A Fruity and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10-12

On a sunny spring day or at a summer party, there’s nothing more delightful than a cake that brings a touch of freshness and joy. The Strawberry Cake is a delicious combination of fluffy layers, fine lemon cream, and fresh fruits that will delight the taste buds of everyone who tries it. This recipe is not only a pleasure for the senses but also an opportunity to experiment with various flavors and textures.

The history of fruit cakes spans centuries, serving as a way to make the most of fresh harvests. Today, I invite you to prepare this delicious cake that combines juicy strawberries, aromatic bananas, and refreshing kiwi. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar (4 for egg whites and 4 for yolks)
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon cappuccino
- 1 teaspoon coffee
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cognac
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 rum essence
- 1 baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 bananas
- 2 kiwis
- 1 kg strawberries
- 1 packet lemon cream
- Milk (for cream)
- Fresh mint (for flavor and decoration)
- A pinch of salt
- White and dark chocolate (for glazing)
- Pineapple juice (for soaking)

Preparing the cake:

Step 1: Preparing the layers
1. Start by preparing the two layers of the cake. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until you achieve a firm meringue.
2. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the other 4 tablespoons of sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Add the flour, baking powder, and cocoa, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous batter.
3. Divide the batter into two equal parts. In the first part, incorporate the coffee, cappuccino, rum, and cognac. In the second part, add the orange zest and vanilla essence.
4. Pour the two mixtures into rectangular baking pans lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until the layers are lightly golden and pass the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the lemon cream
1. In a bowl, mix the lemon cream with milk according to the instructions on the packet. Add finely chopped fresh mint for an extra flavor boost.
2. Chill the cream to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the fruits
1. Wash the strawberries and cut them into small cubes. Keep a few whole for decoration.
2. Peel the bananas and kiwis and slice them thinly.
3. Blend a portion of the strawberries until you achieve a delicious puree.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Cut each layer in half, creating four layers. Soak each layer with pineapple juice to add moisture and flavor.
2. Place a layer of white cake on a platter, add a layer of lemon cream, followed by diced strawberries, then place another layer (black) and repeat the process. Alternate the layers until you finish all the ingredients, making sure to keep a few whole strawberries for decoration.

Step 5: Glazing the cake
1. Melt the white and dark chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave, stirring until smooth.
2. Glaze the cake to your liking, either with white or dark chocolate, and decorate with fresh mint leaves and a few whole strawberries.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially when it comes to fruits.
- If you want to experiment, you can also add other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavor improves as the ingredients meld.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Nutritional information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the eggs with a vegan substitute?
- Yes, you can use banana puree or soy yogurt to achieve a similar texture.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the layers or use fruits with a more tart flavor.

3. Is it possible to store the cake in the fridge?
- Yes, the cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it’s recommended to consume it fresh.

The Strawberry Cake is an excellent choice for any special occasion, but also for a simple gathering with friends. This recipe will not only impress with its appearance but also with its fresh and refined taste. So, gather your best friend or someone dear and let yourselves be inspired by the magic of cooking!