Strawberry Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this strawberry cake for its light and airy texture, complemented by creamy mascarpone and whipped cream filling. The almond flakes add a subtle crunch, while the fresh strawberries provide a burst of juicy sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and delightfully delicious—ideal for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you crave a fresh fruit dessert.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 100 g sugar
• 20 g starch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 60 g almond flakes
• 300 g strawberries
• 250 g mascarpone
• 250 ml whipping cream
• 50 g powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Separate the egg whites and yolks. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar and lemon juice until pale and creamy.
4. Gently fold the starch into the yolk mixture, then carefully fold in the beaten egg whites to maintain the airy texture.
5. Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan, and sprinkle almond flakes evenly on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the mascarpone cream: whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone until smooth.
8. Slice the strawberries and set aside some for decoration.
9. Cut the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread half the mascarpone cream on the bottom layer, arrange sliced strawberries on top, then cover with the second cake layer.
10. Spread the remaining cream on top and decorate with the reserved strawberries.
11. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Add a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or amaretto to the mascarpone cream for an adult twist.
• Substitute almond flakes with chopped pistachios or hazelnuts.
• Use other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cake.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute starch with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cake is best served chilled and should not be frozen due to the delicate mascarpone cream. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and drained.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be assembled and refrigerated overnight for the flavors to meld.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses starch which may contain gluten. Substitute with gluten-free starch or flour for a gluten-free version.

Can I substitute mascarpone?

Cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream can be used as a substitute, but the flavor and texture may differ.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Ensure the cake is wrapped or covered well and store it in the fridge.

Can I add more sugar to the cream?

Yes, adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more powdered sugar if desired.

How do I get the egg whites to stiff peaks?

Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beat at medium-high speed until firm peaks form.

Can I use a different type of nuts?

Yes, feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover the cake tightly and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe is not vegan, but plant-based substitutes for eggs, cream, and mascarpone can be explored with adjustments.

Conclusion

This strawberry cake is a light, creamy, and elegant dessert that highlights the freshness of strawberries with a soft almond-infused sponge and rich mascarpone cream. Its balance of textures and flavors makes it a perfect choice for celebrations or a special treat any time.

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