Sponge cake, with its light, airy texture, is a beloved dessert base that can be transformed into a variety of delicious treats.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy this classic cake is by adding a luscious strawberry filling, which complements the softness of the sponge and adds a burst of fruity flavor.
If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a simple yet stunning dessert, this recipe will guide you through every step of creating a perfect sponge cake with strawberry filling.
Ingredients for the Sponge Cake
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to create the perfect sponge cake. You’ll need:
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (melted)
Preparing the Sponge Cake Base
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the sponge cake.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk. The mixture should triple in volume and become pale in color.
This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for achieving the airy texture of the sponge cake.
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will remove any lumps and ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Fold in the Flour
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter. Fold in the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the sponge cake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Strawberry Filling
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the strawberry filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Step 1: Cook the Strawberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften.
If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the strawberry mixture. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.
Step 2: Let the Filling Cool
Once the strawberry mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This will prevent the filling from melting the sponge cake.
Assembling the Sponge Cake
Now that the sponge cake and strawberry filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert.
Step 1: Slice the Cake
Carefully slice the cooled sponge cake in half horizontally to create two even layers. You can use a serrated knife to make this process easier and more precise.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Filling
Spread a generous layer of the cooled strawberry filling over the bottom layer of the sponge cake. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when you add the top layer.
Step 3: Stack the Cake Layers
Place the second layer of sponge cake on top of the strawberry-filled layer, pressing down gently to secure the layers together.
If desired, you can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or decorate it with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
Final Tips for Success
- Cool the cake completely before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, frozen berries can be used as a substitute.
- If you prefer a whipped cream filling instead of strawberry filling, simply whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form and spread it between the cake layers.
- This cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Delicious Dessert
This sponge cake with strawberry filling is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and deliciously light.
The combination of soft, airy sponge cake and sweet strawberry filling makes for a treat that’s sure to delight everyone who tastes it.
Enjoy baking, and share your creation with friends and family for a memorable dessert experience!