Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake: A Refreshing Delight for Strawberry Lovers

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours (or preferably overnight)
Number of servings: 8-10

On a warm summer day, what could be more enjoyable than a refreshing cake filled with flavor and freshness? The Strawberry Cake is exactly what you desire: a simple yet impressive recipe that transforms fresh strawberries into the most delicious dessert. This cake is perfect for celebrating the strawberry season, made quickly and easily, yet with exceptional visual and taste impact. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g fresh strawberries (preferably sweet and fragrant strawberries)
- 250 g mascarpone (1 container)
- 200 g liquid cream (preferably sweetened)
- 200 g ladyfingers
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 cups pear juice (or another type of fruit juice, such as peach or apple juice)

Ingredient details:

Strawberries are the star ingredient of this cake, not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them perfect for a balanced diet. Mascarpone adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, while the liquid cream helps aerate the mixture. The ladyfingers, easily soaked in juice, provide the perfect base for the delicious layers of the cake.

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the cream: Start by whipping the liquid cream in a large bowl using an electric mixer or a hand mixer. Make sure the cream becomes firm, but do not overbeat it, or it will turn into butter.

2. Mashing the strawberries: In another bowl, take 350 g of strawberries and mash them with a blender until you get a smooth puree. This mashed strawberry will add intense flavor to your cream.

3. Preparing the cream: In the bowl with the mashed strawberries, add the container of mascarpone and the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the whipped cream to the strawberry and mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold in the cream, being careful not to lose volume.

5. Assembling the cake: Start by taking a medium-sized dish. Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the pear juice, being careful not to leave them too long, so they do not disintegrate. Place a first layer of ladyfingers in the dish, followed by 3 tablespoons of strawberry cream. Continue alternating layers: ladyfingers, cream, until you finish the ingredients, ensuring that the top layer is cream.

6. Decorating: Use the remaining strawberries to decorate the cake. You can slice the strawberries or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Arrange them nicely on top for an attractive appearance.

7. Chilling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to let it chill for at least 2-3 hours, but for the best results, leave it overnight.

Useful tips:

- Make sure the strawberries are fresh and ripe. You can check if they are sweet by tasting them.
- Instead of pear juice, you can use peach or apple juice, each bringing a different note to your cake.
- If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the mascarpone cream.

Possible variations:

- You can replace mascarpone with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- For a chocolate cake, you can add chocolate chips to the strawberry cream.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but it is recommended to thaw and drain them well before using.
2. How long can this cake be stored? The Strawberry Cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best consumed within the first 24 hours.
3. Can the cake be frozen? It is not recommended to freeze the cake, as the texture of the ladyfingers and cream will change.

Serving suggestions:

Serve the Strawberry Cake with a glass of lemonade or a summer cocktail for a perfect dessert on hot days. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake will create the ideal combination of warm and cold.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! The Strawberry Cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, making each serving a small celebration of summer. Enjoy!