Strawberry cake

Strawberry Cake: A Sweet Delight, Perfect for Any Occasion

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert that impresses with its flavor and appearance, this strawberry cake is the ideal choice. A recipe that combines the delicacy of fluffy layers with the intense aroma of fresh strawberries, this cake will not only delight your taste buds but also become the star of your table. I invite you to embark on this adventure together, step by step, in creating this refined dessert!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (20 minutes preparation, 30 minutes baking, 40 minutes for assembly and decoration)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 8 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 7 tablespoons of sifted flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the cream:
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 400 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of strawberry syrup (you can also use berry syrup)

For decoration:
- 200 ml whipped cream (beaten)
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- 100 g chocolate (for decoration, optional)
- Mint syrup (for soaking)
- 50 g mint syrup (you can also use another type of syrup)
- 2 tablespoons of water

Step by step

Preparing the sponge

1. Lining the pan: Start by lining a 25x35 cm pan with baking paper. Make sure the paper is well placed so that the mixture does not stick.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. It is important that the temperature is right to achieve a fluffy sponge.

3. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the egg whites are well beaten, so make sure no yolk impurities remain.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a glossy foam, similar to meringue.

5. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

6. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it to the mixture, folding gently with a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.

7. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. The sponge should be lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Preparing the cream

1. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. When it reaches boiling point, add the flour mixed with a little cold milk.

2. Mixing: Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool.

3. Beating the butter: In another bowl, mix the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the cooled milk cream and strawberry syrup, continuing to mix until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Assembling the cake

1. Slicing the sponge: When the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into three equal layers.

2. Soaking each layer: Prepare the syrup by mixing the mint syrup with water. Use a pastry brush to soak each sponge layer, making sure they are moist and flavorful.

3. Assembling the cake: Place the first layer on a platter, add half of the strawberry cream. Place the second layer, soak again, add the remaining cream, and finish with the last layer.

4. Decorating: Cover the cake with whipped cream, making it look appetizing. You can decorate the cake with fresh strawberries and, if you like, with grated chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Chef's tip

To achieve an even more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the strawberry cream. Also, if you don't have strawberry syrup, you can use fresh strawberry puree mixed with sugar for a natural flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits for this cake?
Yes, you can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to create delicious variations.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Make sure it doesn't dry out by covering it with plastic wrap.

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with alternative ingredients, such as replacing eggs with banana puree or soy yogurt.

Calories and nutritional benefits

One serving of strawberry cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of whipped cream used. Strawberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing not only a delicious taste but also health benefits, such as improving heart health and supporting the immune system.

This strawberry cake can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect dessert on hot days. Enjoy it with your loved ones, sharing moments of joy and good cheer!