Strawberry Delight

Discover a delicious strawberry cake recipe, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will delight any dessert lover. This cake not only looks spectacular but is also an excellent choice for a party, an anniversary, or simply to treat your family on an ordinary day. With a fluffy base and a delicate strawberry cream, I assure you that you'll want to make it again and again!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 8 hours and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 15

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 4 eggs
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 120 g flour
- 5 g baking powder
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- a pinch of salt
- seeds from one vanilla pod (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)

*For the cream:*
- 800 g fresh strawberries (preferably, but you can also use frozen)
- 500 g yogurt
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 3 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 30 g gelatin (about 3 sachets)
- 200 ml cold water

*For decoration:*
- 15-18 smaller strawberries
- cream
- melted chocolate (white and dark)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until a shiny meringue forms. It is essential to achieve an airy texture, so don't rush this step!

In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the oil and vanilla seeds until they become a homogeneous mixture. Begin to incorporate the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

Mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it to the egg mixture, gently stirring until it becomes homogeneous.

Line a baking tray (35x25 cm) with baking paper, pour the batter into the tray, and level the surface. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the strawberry cream
Meanwhile, prepare the cream. Cut the strawberries into small pieces and mix them with the sugar in a saucepan. Place them over medium heat and let them warm until the sugar melts, being careful not to reach boiling point.

Soak the gelatin in 200 ml of cold water for 10 minutes. After the strawberries have warmed, pour them into a blender and blend until you get a fine puree. Add the soaked gelatin and mix well until completely dissolved.

In another bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until it becomes firm. Add the yogurt and gently mix, then incorporate the strawberry puree. It is important not to overmix to maintain the airy texture of the cream.

3. Assembling the cake
Pour the strawberry cream into the lined tray, then place the base on top. Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to set well.

4. Decorating the cake
After the cake has cooled and set, place a larger plate on top of the tray and, with a swift motion, turn the cake over. Carefully remove the film. Cut the cake into suitable pieces (about 15) and decorate each piece with cream, whole strawberries, and melted chocolate.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal strawberries for a more intense flavor. If you can't find fresh strawberries, look for frozen ones, but let them thaw completely before using.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to create different variations of this cake.
- Replace yogurt with mascarpone for a richer cream, or with Greek yogurt for a more tangy taste.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the strawberry cream.

Nutritional information:
This strawberry cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, thanks to the strawberries and yogurt. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, while yogurt provides a source of probiotics beneficial for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of gelatin? Yes, plant-based gelatin is a good alternative for those who prefer options without animal-derived ingredients.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and base, or use a natural sweetener.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A fresh lemonade or iced green tea are excellent options to complement this cake.

This strawberry cake recipe is not only a delicious choice but also a perfect opportunity to bring family and friends together for a sweet moment. So, don't wait any longer! Put on your apron and prepare this delicacy that will surely become everyone's favorite!