Strawberry cake

Raw Strawberry Cake: A Fresh and Healthy Delight

Who doesn't love a delicious cake that combines the fresh taste of strawberries with a crunchy and healthy base? The raw strawberry cake is not only a quick and easy dessert to make, but also an explosion of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days, but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Whether you serve it at a party or as a healthy family dessert, it will surely be appreciated by everyone.

Total preparation time: 1 hour (including soaking time)
Number of servings: 8

The History of Raw Cake

Raw cakes have gained popularity in recent years due to the healthy lifestyle movement and increased awareness about nutrition. These desserts are made without baking, thus preserving the essential nutrients from the ingredients. By using natural ingredients such as nuts, fruits, and natural sweeteners, raw cakes offer a healthy alternative to traditional desserts.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 cups of soaked nuts (for 3-4 hours)
- 1 cup of soaked dates (for 1 hour)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (preferably raw cacao beans that you can grind)

For the cream:
- 1 cup of soaked cashews (for 3 hours)
- 2 cups of strawberries (frozen, taken out of the freezer a few hours before preparation)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (or another natural sweetener like maple syrup for a vegan option)

For decoration (optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Mint leaves
- Cocoa powder

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Start by soaking the nuts and dates. Place the nuts in a bowl of water and let them soak for 3-4 hours, and the dates for one hour. Soaking helps achieve a creamier texture and improves digestion.

2. Once the nuts and dates are ready, drain them. In a food processor, add the soaked nuts, dates, and cocoa powder. Blend on high speed until you obtain a homogeneous and sticky mixture. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed.

3. Take a 19 cm springform pan and evenly spread the mixture, pressing down firmly with a spatula or your hands to form a compact base.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Remove the frozen strawberries from the freezer a few hours before to thaw. This step is essential as thawed strawberries have a softer texture and blend more easily.

2. In a blender, add the thawed strawberries, soaked cashews, and honey. Blend until you achieve a smooth and homogenous cream. If you prefer a less smooth texture, you can leave some strawberry pieces.

3. Once the cream is ready, pour it evenly over the nut base in the pan.

Step 3: Chilling

1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until it sets. This step helps the flavors meld together and improves the final texture.

2. Once the cake has set, you can decorate it with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a more appetizing look.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- If you want an even crunchier base, you can add sunflower or pumpkin seeds to the base mixture.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to vary the flavor of the base.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries to give your cake a different twist.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but make sure to wrap it well.

3. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use an appropriate sweetener.

Nutritional Benefits

The strawberry cake provides an excellent source of protein from nuts and cashews, vitamins and antioxidants from strawberries, as well as fiber from dates. It is a healthy choice for a dessert, free from refined sugar or processed ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This raw strawberry cake can be served alongside a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a plant-based Greek yogurt can add a creamy and delicious touch.

Recipe Variations

If you want to add a touch of chocolate, you can mix in some raw chocolate chips into the cashew cream or sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the cake before serving. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for a more aromatic flavor.

Conclusion

The raw strawberry cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that combines health with taste. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to win you over. I encourage you to try it and personalize your own version of this delicious dessert!