Strawberry cake with white chocolate cream

Strawberry and White Chocolate Cream Cake

We present you with a wonderful recipe for a strawberry and white chocolate cream cake that will add a touch of indulgence to every special moment. This decadent dessert is not only a visual delight but also a feast for the taste buds, combining moist cocoa sponge with smooth white chocolate cream and sweet strawberries. It's perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or simply to celebrate an ordinary day!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons water
- 11 tablespoons sugar
- 9 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- butter for greasing the pan

For the cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 300 g Rama Maestro margarine
- 225 g sugar (powdered sugar is suggested for a finer texture)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 150 g white chocolate

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 1 vial of rum essence

For decoration:
- 5-6 cherries
- about 500 g strawberries
- 150 g pistachios (crushed)

A Brief History

The strawberry and white chocolate cream cake is a combination that has won the hearts of dessert lovers around the world. This recipe blends the European tradition of cakes with smooth chocolate cream and fresh fruits, creating a unique flavor and an appealing appearance. The strawberries bring a note of freshness, while the white chocolate cream offers a sweetness that perfectly complements the two elements.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to use clean bowls to achieve the best results.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them until frothy and doubled in volume. This is when air is incorporated, giving the sponge a fluffy texture.
3. Adding the sugar: Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuously mixing until it is completely dissolved. This is important to avoid sugar crystals in the sponge.
4. Incorporating the water and yolks: Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a wooden spatula from the bottom up. Then, gently fold in the egg yolks, being careful to maintain the aeration of the egg whites.
5. Sifting the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder, then gradually add them to the egg mixture, mixing gently to avoid losing air.

Step 2: Baking

6. Preparing the pan: Grease a round 24 cm diameter cake pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Ensure the paper sticks well to the bottom and sides of the pan.
7. Pouring the mixture: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it with a spoon.
8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 165°C. Bake the sponge for 30-40 minutes, without opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.
9. Cooling: Remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the pan and peeling off the parchment paper.

Step 3: Preparing the cream

10. Beating the yolks: Beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until pale and creamy.
11. Thickening the cream: Place the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly until it thickens, being careful not to let it boil.
12. Melting the chocolate: Break the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it together with the margarine over low heat. Allow it to cool, then mix until you achieve a creamy consistency.
13. Incorporating the chocolate: Add the melted chocolate to the egg yolk mixture and mix well for even distribution.

Step 4: Preparing the syrup

14. Boiling the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and boil for 3 minutes.
15. Cooling and flavoring: Allow the syrup to cool completely, then add the rum essence and mix well.

Step 5: Assembling the cake

16. Assembling the layers: Place the first sponge layer on a serving platter and soak it with the syrup. Spread 1/3 of the white chocolate cream on top.
17. Adding the strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top, gently pressing them into the cream.
18. Second layer of cream: Cover the strawberries with another 1/3 of the cream and level it out.
19. Adding the second sponge: Place the second soaked sponge on top, and use the remaining cream to frost the cake on both the top and sides.

Step 6: Decorating

20. Decorating the cake: Decorate with sliced strawberries and cherries on top, while sprinkling crushed pistachios on the sides for a crunchy and appealing look.
21. Final cooling: Let the cake chill for a few hours before slicing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This strawberry and white chocolate cream cake is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm drink, such as fruit tea. You can pair the dessert with a glass of sparkling wine, which will highlight the fruity flavors of the strawberries.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from sugars and flour, fats from margarine and white chocolate, but it also contains vitamins from strawberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. As a healthier option, you can replace the margarine with coconut butter or adjust the sugar in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate, but you will need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the chocolate.

2. How can I make the cake easier?
You can use a store-bought cake mix for the sponge, saving time and effort.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Personal Note

I remember the days spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who showed me how to prepare the most delicious desserts. This recipe brings back those memories, the joy of creating, and sharing something delicious with loved ones. I hope you try it and create beautiful memories, just like I did!

Enjoy every bite of this strawberry and white chocolate cream cake, and don't forget to share the results with your loved ones!