Strawberries and Cream Sponge Cake (Print)
Light, airy sponge layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries; chilled for a tender, fruity finish.
# What You Need:
→ Sponge Cake
01 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Filling & Topping
06 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
07 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 2 tablespoons strawberry jam, optional
11 - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish, optional
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and salt with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
03 - Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
04 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and the surface springs back when lightly pressed.
05 - Remove cakes from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
06 - While cakes cool, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
07 - If desired, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on one sponge. Cover with half the whipped cream and arrange half the sliced strawberries on top.
08 - Place the second sponge layer over the strawberries. Spread remaining whipped cream over the top and decorate with the remaining strawberries.
09 - Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for optimal texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of fresh strawberries and billowy whipped cream feels like summer on a plate.
- It's simple enough for a casual treat but always wows at celebrations.
02 -
- Trying to fill a warm cake will lead to slumping and sliding—patience pays off here.
- Folding too quickly makes your sponge dense; take your time and your cake will be cloud-light.
03 -
- Let the cake cool completely before whipping and spreading any cream to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use strawberries at their peak for the juiciest, most flavorful bite: taste before slicing to be sure they're sweet enough.