Strawberry cake

Strawberry Cake - The Perfect Indulgence for Hot Summer Days

When it comes to a dessert that brings a smile on your face during the hot summer days, strawberry cake is simply ideal. This cake is not only light and refreshing but also a true celebration of fresh and delicate flavors. From the fluffy and airy base to the fine yogurt cream and juicy strawberries, each slice will transport you to a world of sweetness and joy. Let's start our culinary journey step by step!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (or more)
Total time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 500 g yogurt (choose a natural one, without additives)
- 250 g whipped cream (preferably from cream)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (or 10 g gelatin granules)
- 1 vanilla essence

For decoration:
- Strawberry jam (a quality jam will do wonders)
- Red gelatin (for a shiny appearance)
- 250 g fresh strawberries (choose the prettiest and ripest ones)

A bit of history

Strawberry cake has deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Strawberries, with their sweet and fragrant flavor, have been used in desserts for centuries. Combining them with a fluffy base and refined cream has become a classic recipe, loved by those who enjoy indulging. Nowadays, this cake is a popular choice for birthdays, parties, and summer gatherings.

Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This step is crucial, as the incorporated air will make the base fluffy and light. Add the sifted flour along with the baking powder and gently fold in with a spatula, so as not to lose the air in the mixture.

2. Baking the base
Pour the mixture into a 26 cm diameter cake pan, greased with butter or oil, and dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test. After baking, let the base cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a rack.

3. Preparing the filling
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Wash and dry the pan, then grease it with a little oil and sprinkle powdered sugar on the bottom to add a sweet taste. In another bowl, mix the yogurt with the whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and for an extra flavor, you can also add a little grated lemon zest.

4. Preparing the gelatin
Follow the instructions on the gelatin package. Usually, you need to soak it in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then heat it until it completely dissolves (without boiling!). Mix the dissolved gelatin with the yogurt cream.

5. Assembling the cake
Pour half of the yogurt mixture into the pan, then place the sliced strawberries on top. Add the remaining yogurt cream and place the second slice of cake on top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).

6. Decorating the cake
After the cake has set, carefully remove the ring from the pan. Cover the top of the cake with strawberry jam, and then prepare red gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Pour the gelatin only over the strawberries and let it chill again for 60 minutes.

Serving and suggestions

When you're ready to serve this delicious cake, I suggest cutting it into generous slices and placing them on plates. You can add a few fresh mint leaves on each plate for an extra touch of flavor and color. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake will make the dessert even more special!

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the yogurt with cottage cheese or mascarpone for an even richer cream. You can also add other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, to diversify the flavors. Don't forget that you can also use crushed cookies as a base instead of a cake for a quick and delicious option.

Nutritional information

Strawberry cake is a relatively light and healthier choice compared to other desserts, thanks to the yogurt which provides a source of protein and calcium. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the whipped cream adds a touch of creaminess. On average, a serving can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Use almond flour or gluten-free oat flour instead of wheat flour.

3. Can it be prepared a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the cake becomes even more delicious after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

This strawberry cake will surely become a family and friends favorite, bringing a touch of freshness and joy in every slice. So don't hesitate and get ready to indulge in this delicious dessert! Enjoy!