Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs
150 grams (5.5 ounces) sugar
150 grams (5.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Vanilla extract
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring or gel coloring
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Sponge Cake

Beat the eggs with sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve a fluffy texture. Gently fold in the flour and then add the vegetable oil.

Pour the batter onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. The sponge should measure approximately 30x40 cm (12x16 inches).

Step 2

Prepare the Cream

While the sponge cake cools, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese or mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) at medium speed until you achieve a smooth, fluffy consistency.

Step 3

Make the Strawberry Confit

Simmer the frozen strawberries with sugar and cornstarch until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 4

Assemble the Pastries

Using a pastry ring or any shape cutter, cut out the sponge cake. The quantity depends on the size of the cutter; you should get around 9 pieces and 3 fairly large pastries.

Spread cream on each layer and add a dollop of strawberry confit in the middle. Let the assembled pastries set in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

Decorate with crumbs from the sponge cake and fresh berries. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Servings

Presentation Tips: 🍴

**These strawberry pastries are a treat to the eyes and the palate!** They are perfect for an elegant afternoon tea party or as a delightful end to a dinner party. Arrange them on a beautiful platter and dust with a bit of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sophistication.

**Pairings: ☕** Consider pairing these pastries with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate tea. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

**Fun for Kids: 🎉** If you're serving these to kids, you can make the experience even more fun by providing some additional toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or extra fresh strawberry slices for them to decorate their pastries on their own.

Equipment

Hand mixer

A hand mixer will make whipping the cream and beating the eggs much easier. If you have a stand mixer, that works too!

We recommend:
Baking sheet

Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake your sponge cake. This helps to prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

We recommend:

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation: 🌾

**For those needing gluten-free options, simply substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure to use a gluten-free baking powder as well.**

Vegan Variation: 🌱

**To make these pastries vegan, you can use a dairy-free cream substitute and vegan cream cheese. Additionally, replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water (1:3 ratio for each egg needed).**

Faq

  • What can I use if I don't have a pastry ring?

    You can use a glass or any round object with sharp edges to cut out the shapes from your sponge cake. Just make sure it's clean and sturdy!

  • Can I prepare the sponge cake ahead of time?

    Yes, you can bake the sponge cake a day before and store it in an airtight container. This will save you time on the day you plan to assemble the pastries.

  • How do I ensure my sponge cake is fluffy?

    Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they are very pale and fluffy. Also, fold the flour gently into the mixture to keep as much air in the batter as possible.

  • Can I use fresh strawberries for the filling?

    Yes, fresh strawberries can be used. You might need to adjust the sugar levels and cooking time since fresh strawberries have more water content than frozen ones.

  • Any tips for making a smooth cream filling?

    Make sure your cream cheese or mascarpone is at room temperature before whipping. This will help in achieving a smoother and more consistent cream.

  • How to prevent my pastry from getting soggy?

    Ensure that the sponge cake is completely cool before assembling and that the strawberry filling is not too watery. Also, serving the pastries right after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours will help them stay crisp and delightful.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Berry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):250 - 300
Total Fat:17g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:24g
Total Sugars:20g