Strawberry Torte

This delightful strawberry torte features a light, airy sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a refreshing, fruity dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling and Topping:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup (60g) strawberry jam (optional, for glazing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup of sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the egg yolk mixture and stir to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until just incorporated.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Torte

1. Once the cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
2. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half of the cake, then arrange sliced strawberries on top.
3. Place the top layer of the cake over the strawberries and spread more whipped cream on top.
4. Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
5. (Optional) If desired, heat the strawberry jam in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it’s liquid and brush it over the strawberries for a glossy finish.

Step 4: Serve

1. Chill the torte in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Slice and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a few tablespoons of strawberry liqueur to the whipped cream or cake layers.
• You can also substitute the strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.
• If you want a firmer whipped cream topping, add a teaspoon of cornstarch or gelatin to stabilize it.

Enjoy your Strawberry Torte—a light, refreshing dessert perfect for any celebration!