Strawberry Lover's Cake

Strawberry Love Cake: A Delight for Cherished Hearts

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Introduction

The love for cooking is an art that transcends generations. Today, I will present to you a refined strawberry cake recipe, perfect for special occasions or simply to add a touch of sweetness to everyday life. This cake combines moist and dense cocoa sponge with a fine butter and strawberry cream, creating an explosion of flavors and an unforgettable texture. Whether it's an anniversary, a celebration, or just a simple gathering with loved ones, this cake will win any heart!

Ingredients

Cocoa Sponge
- 240g flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 400g sugar
- 200ml oil
- 250g yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 250ml water

Cream
- 340g butter
- 340g margarine for baking
- 720g powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons liquid cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- Red gel food coloring
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 4-5 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Sauce
- 200g dark chocolate (75% cocoa)
- 200ml liquid cream

Decoration
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate pieces (white and dark)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 170°C. It is essential to be well-heated to achieve an even and perfectly baked sponge.

2. Preparing the pans: Grease two cake pans with butter, then place a disc of parchment paper and grease again with butter and flour. This is a trick I use to prevent the sponge from sticking.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl (about 3 liters), sift the flour with the cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the sugar and mix with a spoon.

4. Adding the wet ingredients: Using a mixer on low speed, start adding the wet ingredients: oil, yogurt, vanilla, and eggs, then gradually add the water in a thin stream. This will create a smooth batter, but you might splash a little during the process – don’t worry, it’s worth it!

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pans, filling them halfway (remember that the batter will double in volume while baking!). Bake for 40-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the sponges cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then remove them onto a wire rack.

Tip: The sponges can be baked well in advance of the event. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. They will be easier to handle when cold!

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Preparing the ingredients: Let the butter and margarine come to room temperature for 30 minutes, so they are soft but still cool. Before you start, sift the powdered sugar.

2. Beating the butter: Using a mixer on high speed, beat the butter with the margarine for 3-5 minutes, adding salt.

3. Adding the sugar: Stop the mixer, add the powdered sugar, and mix on low speed for 3 minutes, covering the bowl with a towel to avoid splattering.

4. Incorporating the cream: When the mixture is smooth, pour in the liquid cream in a thin stream and continue beating on high speed for about 5 minutes.

5. Adding the strawberries: Finally, add the vanilla essence, food coloring, and chopped strawberries. I recommend dividing the mixture into two parts and adding the strawberries only to the filling, leaving some for decoration.

Step 3: Chocolate Sauce

1. Preparing the sauce: Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl. Meanwhile, heat the cream over medium heat until just about to boil.

2. Combining: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until you get a smooth sauce, then let it cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. First layer: Place a little cream on the board to stabilize the cake and place the first sponge. Spread the sponge with strawberry jam, tracing a border with the cream for decoration.

2. Adding the cream: In the center, place the cream with strawberry pieces and level it. Place the second sponge on top and repeat the procedure.

3. The fridge: Spread the base with a little cream to stick the crumbs and put the cake in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.

4. Second tier: Repeat the steps for the second tier, cutting two smaller discs from the sponge. Assemble and refrigerate.

5. Finalizing: Take the cake out of the fridge, apply a second layer of cream on each tier, and decorate with cream rosettes. Add chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries, and chocolate pieces on top.

Serving

The cake is served cold, ideally accompanied by a cup of coffee or fruit tea. The aroma of strawberries and chocolate will perfectly blend with a warm drink, creating an unforgettable experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, rich in strawberries, provides a supply of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Additionally, butter and margarine provide healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet. Although it is an indulgent dessert, it can be enjoyed in moderation within a varied diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the recipe may require adjustments in the proportions of the ingredients.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge and cream, or replace the strawberry jam with a less sweet fresh fruit sauce.

3. Can I replace the strawberries?
Of course! You can use other berries or seasonal fruits, depending on your preferences.

Possible Variations

- White Chocolate Cake: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate and add a raspberry sauce for a delicious contrast.
- Nut Cake: Add ground nuts to the sponge for extra texture and flavor.
- Vegan Cake: You can adapt the recipe using vegan ingredients for an animal product-free cake.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Love Cake is not just a dessert, but a true declaration of love. With every bite, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to make it and share the joy of cooking!