Dessert - Strawberry cake by Roberta P. - Recipia
Strawberry Cake – a delightful delicacy

The strawberry cake is a dessert that brings memories of summer, sunny days, and gatherings with loved ones. It is a treat that not only delights the taste buds but also the eyes, with its colorful layers and elegant appearance. Whether you want to impress at a party, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge yourself, this cake is the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

For decoration:
- 1 kg of fresh strawberries
- 1 packet of powdered sugar
- 400 ml cherry compote
- 4-5 mashed strawberries
- 1 packet of gelatin

For the cream:
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml sweet milk
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 packet of strawberry pudding powder
- Essences: 1 packet of vanilla sugar and a small bottle of vanilla essence
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 4-5 mashed strawberries

For the cake base:
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of oil
- Essences (to taste)
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Compote for soaking

Preparing the cake

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start with the strawberries. Wash them carefully and remove the stems. Then, place them in a bowl, sprinkle powdered sugar over them, and gently mix. This step will help them release their natural juice and add a delicious sweet-sour flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, add the sweet milk and sugar. Bring it to a boil, then add the strawberry pudding powder. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Meanwhile, whip the liquid cream with the essences and lemon juice until fluffy and airy. Then, prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions, letting it hydrate and then melting it over a water bath. When the pudding is cool, combine it with the whipped cream and mashed strawberries, add the melted gelatin, and gently mix to achieve a uniform composition. Place the cream in the refrigerator for about an hour to set.

Step 3: Preparing the cake base
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the sugar until you achieve a glossy meringue. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the two tablespoons of oil and carefully incorporate them into the egg whites. Add the essences and sifted flour along with the baking powder, gently mixing until homogeneous.

Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until the cake base is golden and passes the toothpick test. After baking, remove the cake base from the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes on a damp towel, then remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Once the cake base has cooled, you can start your assembly adventure. Soak the cake base with the cherry compote to give it moisture and a delicious flavor. Spread the cream evenly over the soaked cake base, then decorate with the strawberries from the refrigerator.

To finish, prepare a mixture of cherry compote, mashed strawberries, and gelatin, and pour it evenly over the cake for a glossy and appetizing look.

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving and variations
When you are ready to serve this delicious cake, you can decorate it with a few whole strawberries and a bit of whipped cream for a special appearance. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of green tea, adding a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! You can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches, adjusting the cream according to the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and the cake base is a simple solution. You can also opt for tarter strawberries.

3. How long can the cake be kept in the refrigerator?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but we recommend consuming it within 48 hours to enjoy the freshness of the strawberries.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the cream made from milk and whipped cream provides essential proteins. This combination makes the strawberry cake not only a delicious dessert but also a healthier indulgence option.

Now you are ready to prepare this strawberry cake that will delight your senses! Remember that every recipe is a story, and this story can become part of your memories and those of your loved ones. Enjoy!

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Dessert - Strawberry cake by Roberta P. - Recipia

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