Strawberry cream cake

Strawberry Cream Cake - A Sweet Celebration for Your Heart

On this special day, we celebrate with a delicious cake where fresh strawberries meet a fluffy sponge and airy cream. Although I cannot enjoy this masterpiece with my daughter, Mihaela, who is celebrating a beautiful age, I wish to share this simple yet impressive recipe with you. Whether it's for a birthday or a gathering with friends, this cake will bring smiles and joy to all who savor it. Let's get to work!

Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 6 large eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 10 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 5 sheets of gelatin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream

*For the syrup:*
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- a few drops of strawberry essence

Nutritional information
Each serving of strawberry cream cake contains approximately 250 calories, making it a lighter dessert option due to the fresh fruits and moderate amount of sugar. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, providing both a delicious taste and health benefits.

Step by step for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, add the yolks and 250 g of sugar. Beat them well until they become a creamy mixture. This is the moment to gradually add the 10 tablespoons of water, continuing to mix.

2. Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour and baking powder, then incorporate them into the yolk mixture. Mix gently to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This step is essential for a fluffy sponge. Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture gently, with upward motions.

4. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper. Gently tap the pan on the table to remove air bubbles inside. Bake at a low temperature for 30-40 minutes. Test with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready!

5. Cooling the sponge: Turning off the heat and leaving the pan in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent the sponge from cracking. Use this time to prepare the cream.

6. Preparing the strawberry cream: Start by washing and cleaning the strawberries. Place them in a bowl and use an immersion blender to create a fine puree. In a small saucepan, add the strawberry puree and 2 tablespoons of sugar, heating it on low just until the sugar dissolves.

7. Gelatin: Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 5 minutes, then add them to the strawberry puree, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

8. Whipping the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Gradually add the cooled strawberry puree, pouring it in a thin stream to keep the air in the cream. Mix everything carefully.

9. Preparing the syrup: In another pot, combine 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of sugar and add a few drops of strawberry essence. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

10. Assembling the cake: Cut the cooled sponge into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Soak each layer with the strawberry syrup, then add a layer of cream. Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream and decorate it with fresh strawberry slices and cream-filled sticks around the edges.

11. Final cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the cream, ensuring that each slice will be perfect and delicious.

Serving suggestions and variations
This strawberry cream cake can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit drink. For a unique twist, you can add a little lemon juice to the strawberry cream to enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, for a variety of flavors.

Frequently asked questions
- Can the cake be made a day in advance? Yes, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors will intensify overnight.
- What can I use instead of gelatin? You can use gelatin powder to achieve a similar result, being careful to follow the instructions on the package.
- How can I make the cake more filling? You can add a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone to add extra creaminess.

So, dear friends, now you have all the information needed to prepare a strawberry cream cake that will not only impress but also bring joy to hearts. Enjoy it with your loved ones and create sweet memories! Happy birthday, Mihaela!