Strawberry cake

Strawberry Cake: a sweet and fragrant delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

A sweet story about strawberry cake

Strawberry cake is a dessert that brings together the freshness of seasonal fruits and a fluffy texture, perfect for a treat at the table. This recipe has been passed down through generations, often prepared for special occasions or simply to celebrate a beautiful summer day. The strawberries, with their sweet and juicy flavor, combine perfectly with the fluffy base, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.

Necessary ingredients

To make a delicious strawberry cake, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 300 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 150 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, according to preference)
- 100 ml milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 large tablespoon of lemon zest (preferably organic, to avoid pesticides)
- 1 tablespoon of rum essence
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 packet of baking powder

This recipe is versatile, and if you don’t have strawberries, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

Step by step: How to prepare strawberry cake

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries well under a stream of cold water. Once cleaned, gently dry them. Sprinkle the two tablespoons of semolina over them and mix gently. This step is essential as the semolina helps absorb the juices from the strawberries, preventing the base from becoming too wet.

2. Separating the eggs: Continue by separating the yolks from the whites. Use a clean bowl for the egg whites, as any trace of fat could prevent them from whipping properly.

3. Preparing the yolk mixture: In a bowl, mix the yolks with 100 g of sugar and the lemon zest. This mixture will have a fresh and fragrant taste, thanks to the essential oil in the lemon zest. Gradually add the oil and, finally, the milk. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. When they become frothy, gradually add the remaining sugar (150 g) and the rum essence, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm, glossy meringue. This is the secret to a fluffy and airy base.

5. Combining the mixtures: Add the yolk mixture over the egg whites and use a whisk to combine the two mixtures. Be gentle to preserve the air in the egg whites. Then, add the flour mixed with the baking powder. Many chefs recommend not using a mixer at this stage, but I suggest mixing a little with the mixer to achieve a perfectly homogeneous composition.

6. Preparing the pan: Grease a 27 cm pan with oil and dust it with flour. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. You can use parchment paper for added safety.

7. Assembling the cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and arrange the strawberries evenly on top. If desired, you can sprinkle them with a little sugar for an even sweeter taste.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for about 35-45 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid a sudden drop in temperature.

9. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with vanilla sugar and fine sugar for an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions

Strawberry cake can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. A warm chocolate sauce or a berry coulis can add extra refinement.

Nutritional benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy dessert. The flour provides carbohydrates, while the eggs contribute quality protein. This cake is perfect for occasional enjoyment, being a delicious way to consume fresh fruits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free?
You can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use gluten-free baking powder.

3. What else can I add to the mixture?
You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This strawberry cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and flavor in every slice. So, embrace the strawberry season and let yourself be carried away by the magic of a cake that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy!