Genoise sponge cake is a light and airy Italian sponge cake that is leavened by the air trapped in beaten eggs. It is known for its delicate texture and is often used in layered cakes like the strawberry whipped cream cakes. Genoise is typically made with eggs, sugar, flour, and sometimes butter, which is melted and added to the batter to give it richness and flavor. The combination of genoise sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries makes a perfect dessert for several reasons. The light and airy texture of the genoise sponge cake provides a delicate base that complements the creamy whipped cream and juicy strawberries. The mild flavor of the genoise sponge cake allows the sweetness of the whipped cream and the natural sweetness of the strawberries to shine through without overpowering them. The combination of the slightly sweet genoise sponge cake, the rich whipped cream, and the tartness of the strawberries creates a well-balanced dessert that is not too sweet. The freshness of the whipped cream and strawberries adds a refreshing element to the dessert, making it perfect for warm weather or as a light ending to a meal. The combination of genoise sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. You can add other fruits, flavors, or toppings to customize the dessert to your liking. Overall, the combination of genoise sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberries creates a dessert that is light, refreshing, and full of flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why is this the best cake recipe
Light and Airy Genoise Sponge Cake: The genoise sponge cake used in this recipe is light, fluffy, and has a delicate texture, making it the perfect base for the creamy filling and fresh strawberries. Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream creates a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile that is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Simple yet Elegant Presentation: The whipped cream frosting and whole strawberry border on top of the cake give it an elegant and sophisticated look that is sure to impress your guests. Balanced Sweetness: The sweetness of the whipped cream and fresh strawberries is balanced perfectly by the slightly sweet genoise sponge cake, creating a harmonious flavor experience. Versatile: This cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add other fruits or flavors to the whipped cream, or even add a layer of jam or curd between the cake layers for extra flavor. Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is relatively easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions that even beginner bakers can follow.
Ingredients and substitutes
Eggs provide structure and stability to the genoise sponge cake. Substitute with an equal amount of aquafaba for an egg-free version. Granulated Sugar sweetens the cake and helps to aerate the eggs when beaten. Can be substituted with an equal amount of other granulated sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple sugar. Cake Flour gives the cake a tender texture. You can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the cake may be slightly denser. Unsalted Butter adds moisture and flavor to the genoise sponge cake. Substitute with the same amount of vegetable oil for a dairy-free version. Heavy Whipping Cream is used for both the whipped cream filling and frosting. Provides richness and creaminess. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Powdered Sugar sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it. Can be substituted with granulated sugar, but it may affect the texture slightly. Vanilla Extract adds flavor to the whipped cream. Substitute with other flavorings like almond extract or omit if desired. Fresh Strawberries used for both the filling and the decoration. Provides a fresh, fruity flavor and vibrant color. You can substitute with other berries or fruits if desired.
Step-by-step: Strawberry whipped cream cake
Genoise sponge cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F /175°C/Gas mark 4. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk continuously until the mixture reaches about 110°F (45°C). Remove the bowl from the heat and continue whisking until the mixture is pale, thick, and has tripled in volume. Sift the flour and salt over the egg mixture in three additions, folding gently with a spatula after each addition.
Take a small amount of the batter and mix it with the melted butter. Once combined, gently fold this mixture back into the rest of the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cakes are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Assemble
Whipped cream – In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Place one genoise sponge cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top. Place the second genoise sponge cake layer on top and press down gently. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Pipe a border around the top edge of the cake using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Decorate with more fresh strawberries. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and heavy cream are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the batter and whipped cream. Whipping Cream: Whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form. Over-whipping can lead to butter forming. Genoise Sponge Cake: Be careful not to overmix the batter when folding in the flour. Overmixing can deflate the batter, resulting in a denser cake. Cooling the Cake: Allow the genoise sponge cake layers to cool completely before assembling the cake. This prevents the whipped cream from melting. Stabilizing the Whipped Cream: Consider stabilizing the whipped cream with gelatin or cornstarch if you need the cake to hold up for an extended period. Slicing Strawberries: Slice the strawberries thinly and evenly for easy layering and a better texture in the cake. Assembly: When assembling the cake, gently press down on the top layer to secure it in place, but be careful not to press out too much whipped cream. Chilling: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set. Serving: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake for clean cuts through the layers. Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, as the whipped cream can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long.
Troubleshooting
Cake is Dense or Heavy: This could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to gently fold in the flour and avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy. Cake is Dry: Overbaking can cause the cake to become dry. Check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time and remove it from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Whipped Cream is Runny: If the whipped cream is too runny, it may be due to overwhipping or using cream with a low fat content. Start with chilled heavy whipping cream and whip it just until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. Whipped Cream is Grainy: Grainy whipped cream can be caused by using powdered sugar that has not fully dissolved or by overwhipping the cream. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream and only whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Cake Layers Stick to the Pan: Make sure to properly grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent the cake layers from sticking. You can also use a non-stick baking spray for added insurance. Filling Leaks Out of the Cake: If the whipped cream filling is leaking out of the cake, it may be due to overfilling the cake or not sealing the edges properly. Use a piping bag to create a dam of whipped cream around the edge of the cake layer before adding the filling to help contain it. Cake Layers are Uneven: Uneven cake layers can be caused by uneven oven temperatures or unevenly distributed batter. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and try to distribute the batter as evenly as possible between the cake pans.
Strawberry cupcakes or Eggless strawberry cupcakes Strawberry cheesecakes or Strawberry jello cheesecake and Strawberry Panna Cotta or Strawberry panna cotta tart Strawberry mille-feuille
Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Lemon Strawberry Cream Cake: Add lemon zest to the genoise sponge cake batter for a refreshing lemon flavor. Fill the cake with lemon curd along with the whipped cream and strawberries for a tangy twist. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cream Cake: Melt some chocolate and dip whole strawberries in it. Place the chocolate-covered strawberries on top of the cake for a decadent finish. Berry Medley Cream Cake: Use a mix of different berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, along with the strawberries for a colorful and flavorful cake. Coconut Strawberry Cream Cake: Add some shredded coconut to the whipped cream filling for a tropical twist. You can also toast the coconut for added flavor. Honey Strawberry Cream Cake: Drizzle some honey over the sliced strawberries before placing them on the cake for a natural sweetness and extra flavor dimension. Almond Strawberry Cream Cake: Add almond extract to the whipped cream filling for a subtle almond flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. Strawberry shortcake – Use a vanilla pound cake or classic sponge cake along with fresh strawberries.
Creative ways to serve strawberry cake
Mini Strawberry Cream Cake Cups: Cut the genoise sponge cake into small cubes and layer them in individual cups with whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a cute and portable dessert. Strawberry Cream Cake Parfait: Layer crumbled genoise sponge cake, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries in a glass to create a beautiful and delicious parfait. Strawberry Cream Cake Trifle: Cut the genoise sponge cake into cubes and layer them with whipped cream and sliced strawberries in a trifle dish. Repeat the layers and top with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or chocolate shavings. Frozen Strawberry Cream Cake Bars: Freeze the assembled cake for a few hours, then cut it into bars for a refreshing frozen treat on a hot day. Strawberry Cream Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cut the genoise sponge cake into rounds and sandwich a scoop of strawberry ice cream between two cake rounds for a delightful ice cream sandwich. Strawberry Cream Cake Milkshake: Blend slices of the cake with milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent milkshake.
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