Strawberry cake with whipped cream

Strawberry and Whipped Cream Cake - a Summer Delight

Here is a recipe for a strawberry and whipped cream cake that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness, making it a perfect choice for a warm day. This cake is not only a delicious option for any occasion but also an opportunity to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Additionally, it is a simple recipe, ideal for those who want to start cooking without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of liquid sweetener (you can also use sugar, but the sweetener makes the cake more diet-friendly)
- 50 ml water
- 50 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of baking powder

For the cream:
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 500 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer cream)
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 teaspoons of liquid sweetener
- Vanilla essence and rum essence (a combination of flavors that will make the cream more delicious)
- 500 g fresh strawberries (make sure they are well ripened)

For decoration:
- 500 g strawberries (for decoration)
- 200 ml liquid cream (you can use natural or store-bought cream)
- A packet of unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon of liquid sweetener

Preparing the cake

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to have clean and dry bowls to achieve well-beaten egg whites.
2. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a foam. Continue beating until you achieve stiff peaks. Add the baking powder and gently fold it in.
3. In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sweetener, water, oil, and flour until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate them. The movements should be gentle to keep the air in the egg whites.
5. If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, don’t worry! You can use a large baking tray. Line the tray with parchment paper and pour the batter into the heart shape using a spoon (either shape it yourself or use a stencil).
6. Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. In a bowl, mix the flour with the cornstarch and 100 ml of milk to form a paste.
2. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil. Once the milk is boiling, quickly add the flour mixture, whisking constantly. It is very important to mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
3. Continue stirring until the cream thickens. Once thickened, let it cool.
4. In another bowl, beat the butter until fluffy, then add the cooled cream, sweetener, and vanilla and rum essences. Mix well until you have a smooth and homogeneous cream.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half horizontally.
2. Soak the first half of the base with a little unsweetened coffee (if you’re not a coffee fan, you can use fruit juice or sweetened water).
3. Spread half of the cream over the soaked base.
4. Wash the fresh strawberries, remove the stems, and slice them. Arrange the strawberry slices over the cream.
5. Place the other half of the base on top, which will also be soaked. Spread the remaining cream on top.
6. For decoration, wash the strawberries and arrange them nicely on the cake.

Step 4: Finishing the cake

1. Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet, adding a few drops of sweetener.
2. Pour the warm gelatin over the strawberries on the cake, ensuring it spreads evenly.
3. Whip the liquid cream with the vanilla essence and sweetener until it becomes firm. Use the whipped cream to decorate the cake as desired. You can use a piping bag to create decorative shapes.

Serving suggestions and variations

This strawberry and whipped cream cake is delicious served cold and can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit syrup. You can also add various toppings, such as chopped nuts, grated chocolate, or coconut flakes for added texture.

Nutritional benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, positively impacting health. Additionally, using liquid sweeteners helps reduce calorie intake without compromising taste. A single serving of cake can have about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and fat used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Adjust the amount of sweetener or use a larger quantity of fruit for a natural sweetness.

3. What type of cream is recommended?
Natural cream is preferable as it has a better taste compared to store-bought ones that contain additives.

4. Can I replace the butter in the cream?
Yes, you can use margarine or a vegan substitute to make a healthier version.

This strawberry and whipped cream cake is perfect for celebrating special moments or simply indulging yourself. Try it and enjoy every bite!