Strawberry cake

Strawberry Cake – A Sweet Delight for the Soul

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

Today, I present you with a strawberry cake recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, an anniversary, or simply a lazy weekend afternoon. The success of this cake lies in its fluffy layers, delicious cream, and, of course, the fresh strawberries that transform it into a true culinary masterpiece.

The origin of this cake is found in the sweet traditions of many cultures, where the combination of fresh fruits and delicate creams is always appreciated. Strawberries, with their sweet and fragrant aroma, are the stars of this dish, bringing not only flavor but also a touch of freshness.

Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons coconut
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons oil

For the cream:
- 300 ml sour cream
- 200 g yogurt
- 1 packet gelatin (10 g)
- 200 g powdered sugar

For decoration:
- 100 g strawberries
- 1 packet red jelly
- Strawberries and pitted cherries

Preparing the cake:

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a cake pan (about 24 cm) lined with baking paper. This will prevent the sponge from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan.

In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and sticky foam. This is a crucial step to ensure a fluffy texture for the sponge.

In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil and lemon zest. Add the yolk mixture to the egg whites and gently fold in with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion to avoid losing air from the foam.

Sift the flour together with the baking powder and coconut. Gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, mixing carefully. This will add not only flavor but also an interesting texture to your sponges.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean, the sponge is done). After baking, let the sponge cool completely on a rack.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the powdered sugar until it becomes firm and fluffy. Add the yogurt and gently mix to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Hydrate the gelatin in 3-4 tablespoons of cold water for 5 minutes, then dissolve it in a water bath, being careful not to boil. Once the gelatin is completely dissolved, add it to the sour cream and yogurt mixture, mixing well to ensure it is evenly distributed. Cover the cream and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until it starts to set.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
Once the sponge has cooled completely, cut it into two equal parts. Place the first layer on a platter and soak it with a syrup made from water and sugar (optional), to taste. Add diced strawberries and half of the prepared cream. Place the second layer of sponge, soak again, and add the remaining cream.

For an extra touch of beauty, decorate the cake with strawberries and pitted cherries. Prepare the jelly packet according to the instructions on the package, allowing it to cool for a few seconds, and carefully pour it over the cake.

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set well. During this time, the flavors will combine and the texture will become perfect.

Serving and suggestions:
Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving, to allow it to temper slightly. This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. You can also add a warm chocolate sauce for an extra touch of decadence.

Nutritional benefits:
The strawberry cake is a lighter choice compared to other calorie-rich desserts. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall well-being. The sour cream and yogurt in the cream provide a source of calcium, important for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the cream?
Add a few drops of vanilla essence or a tablespoon of rum for a more intense flavor.

3. How can I make the cake easier?
If you want to save time, you can use pre-made cake layers. However, the flavor and texture of homemade cake are unmatched.

Enjoy every slice of this strawberry cake, a combination of flavors and textures that will delight your senses!