Strawberry cake

Refined Strawberry Cake: A Summer Delight

If you are looking for a dessert to cool you down on hot summer days, this strawberry cake is the ideal answer. With a fluffy base, a fine cream, and a vibrant decoration, this cake not only looks spectacular but is also an explosion of flavors. Moreover, with a history dating back to ancient times, fruit cakes have always been a symbol of celebration and conviviality. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 4 large eggs
- 280 g sugar
- 140 g flour
- 140 g butter (melted but not hot)

*For the cream:*
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 100 g yogurt
- 100 g whipped cream
- 60 g sugar
- 100 g pureed strawberries
- 100 g chopped strawberries
- 1 packet gelatin

*For decoration:*
- 400 g sliced strawberries
- 1 packet red cake gel (gelatin for cake)

Preparation

1. Preparing the bases
- Start by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and add a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer on high speed until they form stiff peaks.
- In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the whole egg and sugar until you achieve a light-colored, fluffy cream. This step is essential for obtaining an airy base.
- Carefully fold the egg white foam into the yolk mixture, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air. Sifting the flour is a crucial step that helps eliminate lumps and achieve a fine texture, so don’t skip this.
- Incorporate the sifted flour and finally, the melted (but cooled) butter. Mix gently until everything is well combined.

2. Baking the bases
- Divide the mixture into two equal parts and pour it into two round (26 cm) baking pans lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25 minutes or until the bases are golden and pass the toothpick test.
- Once baked, remove the bases from the pan and let them cool on a kitchen rack.

3. Preparing the cream
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the yogurt and sugar until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Add the pureed strawberries and mix again.
- Hydrate the gelatin in 5 tablespoons of cold water. Then, dissolve the gelatin over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Once dissolved, add a tablespoon of the cheese cream to the melted gelatin and mix well.
- Then combine the gelatin with the remaining cream and refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes until it starts to thicken.

4. Mixing the cream with whipped cream
- Whip the cream until it becomes firm. Remove the cream from the refrigerator and add the whipped cream, gently mixing to preserve the air in the cream. Finally, add the chopped strawberries and mix gently.

5. Assembling the cake
- Place one of the bases on a serving platter and wrap it with a cake ring. Pour the cream over the base and level it evenly. Cover with the second base and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set well.

6. Decorating the cake
- After the cake has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Decorate it with sliced strawberries on top. Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package and gently pour it over the cake, starting from the center to avoid the gelatin settling on the edges.
- Return the cake to the refrigerator until the jelly sets. If desired, you can decorate the edge with whipped cream, but the cake is delicious even without this extra step.

Tips and tricks
- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure even mixing.
- You can vary the recipe using other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, for a different taste.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, making it perfect to prepare a day in advance before serving.
- If you want a sugar-free version, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Nutritional benefits
This strawberry cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while cottage cheese provides essential proteins. Additionally, whipped cream adds a touch of richness, but you can use a light version to reduce calories.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of flour for the base?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may change slightly.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream or use more tart fruits for a pleasant contrast.
3. How long does the cake keep?
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This strawberry cake is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a slice during a relaxing afternoon. Savor every bite and enjoy your delicious recipe!