White chocolate cake with a cloud of whipped cream and strawberries

White Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a decadent dessert that brings joy and a touch of refinement to any table? The white chocolate cake with a cloud of whipped cream and strawberries is a perfect choice for special occasions, but also for those simple moments when you want to indulge. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a true feast for the eyes and taste buds!

Brief History

White chocolate, although not recognized as 'real' chocolate due to the absence of solid cocoa, offers a creamy and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavors of fruits. White chocolate cakes have become popular in recent decades, appreciated for their fine texture and versatility in combination with various ingredients. In this cake, strawberries add a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ingredients for the Cake:

*For the batter:*
- 250 g white chocolate, chopped
- 125 g butter or margarine (we recommend Rama margarine for a lighter taste)
- 6 eggs (2 whole and 4 separated egg whites)
- 150 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated

*For the topping:*
- 250 ml liquid cream for whipping
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 500 g strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
- Powdered sugar and white chocolate shavings for decoration

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the oven and the pan:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a round and high 23 cm pan by placing a baking sheet at the bottom. This step will help in easily removing the cake after baking.

2. Melting the chocolate:
In a suitable bowl, place the chopped white chocolate and melt it in the microwave. Stir every 10 seconds to avoid burning the chocolate. Once the chocolate is completely melted, add the chopped butter or margarine and cover the bowl. Let the butter melt in the heat of the chocolate.

3. Beating the eggs:
In another bowl, beat the 2 whole eggs along with 4 egg yolks and 150 g powdered sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. Then, add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, mixing well to combine the ingredients.

4. Adding the lemon flavor:
Incorporate the grated lemon zest into the chocolate mixture, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor.

5. Beating the egg whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 150 g powdered sugar until you achieve a stiff foam. This step is essential to give the cake a light and airy texture.

6. Folding in the egg whites:
Add 1/3 of the egg whites to the chocolate mixture and gently fold to avoid losing air. Then, add the remaining egg whites, folding again carefully.

7. Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown. Don't worry if the center of the cake sinks; this is normal and will be covered with whipped cream.

8. Cooling the cake:
Once the cake is done, let it cool completely in the pan. To remove it, gently run a knife along the edges and lift it out of the pan using the baking sheet.

9. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, whip the liquid cream with 50 g powdered sugar until it becomes slightly stiff. Add the milk powder and vanilla extract, mixing gently until well combined.

10. Assembling the cake:
Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cake. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top nicely. Decorate with white chocolate shavings and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

11. Serving:
Cut the cake into generous slices and serve immediately! It is delicious both as a dessert and as a sweet snack during the day. It can be paired with a fruit tea or sparkling wine for a truly memorable experience.

Practical Tips and Variations:

- If you want to add a twist, you can also add a little lemon juice to the whipped cream for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can replace some of the butter with avocado puree or Greek yogurt.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify, and the aromas will blend better.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a source of antioxidants due to the white chocolate, and strawberries provide vitamins C and A, being an ally of the immune system. However, it's good to know that it is a calorie-rich dessert, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate, but the taste and texture will change.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use white chocolate with less sugar.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, make sure to use gluten-free ingredients, such as almond flour instead of regular flour.

4. What can I use instead of strawberries?
You can use any other seasonal fruit, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.

This white chocolate cake with a cloud of whipped cream and strawberries is not just a recipe but a taste experience that will make you come back to it time and again. Don't hesitate to try this simple yet impressive recipe and share the joy of culinary delight with your loved ones!