Strawberry Cake

Refreshing Strawberry Cake: A Sweet Touch of Summer That Melts in Your Mouth

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 8-10

Welcome to the sweet world of cakes! Today, we’re going to make a delicious strawberry cake that will bring a bit of sunshine to any day. This cake is perfect for enjoying on a warm afternoon, and its combination of fluffy layers and fragrant strawberry cream will delight everyone. Let’s get started!

A Brief Story About Strawberry Cakes

Strawberry cakes have always been a symbol of summer. These juicy, sweet fruits are associated with pleasant memories of picnics in nature and gatherings with friends. Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them an excellent ingredient for healthy desserts.

Ingredients Needed

For the layers:
- 4 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk powder (for a richer texture)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a natural and aromatic flavor)
- 60 g butter (melted, for added moisture)
- 1 packet baking powder (to make the layers fluffy)
- 200 g flour (for structure)

For the cream:
- 4 egg whites (for a light and airy foam)
- 500 g strawberries (fresh, for natural flavor)
- 200 g liquid cream (for a creamy topping)
- 8 tablespoons sugar (to sweeten the cream)
- 1 packet gelatin (to stabilize the cream)

Step by Step: Making the Cake

1. Preparing the Layers
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, ensuring no yolk remains in the whites.
- Beat the egg whites with the sugar until they form a stiff foam. It’s important that the bowl is clean and dry to achieve a good foam.
- In another bowl, mix the yolks with the melted butter, milk powder, honey, and baking powder. This is where the flavors come together!
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently until combined.
- Divide the mixture into two equal parts and pour each part into a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with oil and dusted with flour. Level the mixture with a spatula or spoon for an even surface.
- Bake the layers in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test.

2. Preparing the Cream
- Start by blending the strawberries until you get a smooth puree. It’s a good idea to set aside a few whole strawberries for decoration, which will add a rustic touch to your cake.
- Beat the egg whites until they form a foam, then place the bowl over a pot of boiling water and continue beating until the egg whites become slightly warm from the steam. This technique, called "bain-marie," stabilizes the egg whites.
- Add the strawberry puree and continue to beat until the mixture becomes smooth.
- In a small saucepan, dissolve the gelatin in 50 ml of water, then add 50 ml of cold water and mix well. Incorporate the dissolved gelatin into the egg white and strawberry mixture.
- Finally, fold in the whipped cream gently.

3. Assembling the Cake
- Place the first cake layer in a tray lined with plastic wrap, ensuring it is well secured.
- Carefully pour all the strawberry cream over the first layer and level it with a spatula.
- Add the second cake layer on top and gently press down to adhere.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until the cream is set.

4. Finishing the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, whip 200 g of liquid cream and use it to decorate the cake. You can use a piping bag to create beautiful designs or simply spread the cream with a spatula.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, either sliced or whole, for an attractive presentation.

Serving Suggestions

The strawberry cake is served chilled, making it ideal alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fruit tea. A glass of fresh lemonade will also perfectly complement the meal.

Helpful Tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to create delicious variations of the recipe.
- If you don’t have gelatin on hand, you can use agar-agar for a vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute the milk powder? Yes, for a lighter version, you can use condensed milk or omit the milk powder completely.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Adjust the amount of sugar in the cream to your taste.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the cream.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 220 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

I hope this refreshing strawberry cake recipe inspires you to cook and enjoy a summer treat! Savor every moment spent in the kitchen and every slice of cake! Bon appétit!