Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake

Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of spring with its light and fluffy sponge combined with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This cake is a popular choice not just for special occasions but also for casual gatherings and tea time. The combination of airy sponge cake and luscious whipped cream creates a dessert that is both pleasing to the eye and satisfying to the palate. When sliced, the cake reveals a beautiful contrast between the soft sponge and vibrant strawberries, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.

This cake showcases the delicate balance of flavors and textures that Japanese desserts are known for. Unlike heavier cakes, the Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake holds a lightness that melts in your mouth. The spongy texture is obtained by carefully folding beaten egg whites into the batter, which creates that signature fluffiness. Combined with the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of whipped cream, this cake is a perfect treat for anyone who appreciates dessert.

Why make this recipe

Making Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake is not just a culinary endeavor, but also an enjoyable experience that’s perfect for home bakers of all levels. The recipe allows you to work with simple ingredients, bringing out the natural flavors of the strawberries and creating a cake that looks as impressive as it tastes. Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it also serves as a wonderful centerpiece for your table.

This cake is versatile, allowing you to customize it based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences. Plus, the technique of whipping egg whites gives a fulfilling baking experience, enabling you to develop your skills in creating fluffy textures in baked goods. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just an everyday treat, this cake brings joy and a touch of elegance to your dining experience.

How to make Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake

Crafting your own Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake at home may seem intimidating at first, but it becomes effortlessly rewarding once you understand the steps involved. From preparing the batter to assembling your cake, each stage is a chance to embrace the art of baking.

Follow the directions closely to ensure the cake rises beautifully and maintains its moist texture. Whether it’s your first time or you are an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to yield delightful results.

Ingredients:

125g all-purpose flour, sifted 3 times
100g sugar
4 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
60g butter, melted
Butter and flour to coat the inside of the cake pan
18 mid-size strawberries
400ml cream for whipping
10g sugar (for cream)
40ml water
10g sugar (for batter)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and prepare your cake pan by coating it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the 100g of sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Then, gently fold in the melted butter and the sifted all-purpose flour.
In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Pour the prepared batter into the cake pan and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, prepare the whipped cream by beating the 400ml of cream with the 10g of sugar until soft peaks form.
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally with a serrated knife.
Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer of the cake and arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
Place the top layer of the cake back onto the filled bottom layer, then decorate the top with additional whipped cream and strawberries.
Slice the cake into pieces and serve with extra strawberries or whipped cream on the side, if desired. Enjoy every bite!

Time Breakdown

Making Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the time you might spend on each step:

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Whipping cream and assembly: 15 minutes

Overall, you can expect the entire process to take about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish. It’s a rewarding way to spend your time, ensuring you end up with a delightful dessert.

How to serve Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake

When it comes to serving Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake, presentation plays a key role. This cake is perfect for slicing and can be served on individual plates or laid out as a whole for everyone to enjoy. Consider garnishing each slice with additional strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of indulgence.

Serving with a dollop of extra whipped cream can provide a luxurious finish that enhances the eating experience. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for afternoon tea gatherings.

How to store Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake

If you have leftovers, storing Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake properly is essential to maintain its freshness. The sponge cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, if the weather is warm, you might want to refrigerate it to Prevent the cream from spoiling.

For longer storage, consider wrapping slices in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight, and they will be good as new.

Tips to make Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake

Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating; this helps them reach the desired volume more easily.
Sifting flour three times is crucial to ensure a light and airy texture in your sponge cake.
Gently fold in the ingredients to maintain the airiness; overmixing can deflate the batter and make it dense.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; you can also add a touch of vanilla to your whipped cream for extra flavor.
If you want an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding a light glaze of sugar syrup over the strawberries before placing the top layer of the cake.

Variation

While the classic Strawberry Sponge Cake is delightful on its own, many variations are possible. You could substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries for a colorful twist.

For a more decadent version, consider adding a layer of lemon curd or a fruit puree between the layers. Additionally, incorporating flavored extracts like almond or vanilla into the whipped cream can give the cake a unique twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is a general idea of the nutritional information that a single slice (1/8 of the cake) might contain:

Calories: 250
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g

(Note: This is an estimation based on ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands and quantity variations).

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake a day before serving it. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Q2: What should I do if my sponge cake doesn’t rise?
If your sponge cake doesn’t rise, make sure you haven’t overmixed the batter after adding the egg whites. Additionally, check that your baking powder is fresh and that your oven is at the correct temperature.

Q3: Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
While you can use whipped topping as a substitute, real whipped cream will provide a richer flavor. However, using whipped topping can make for a lighter and even simpler preparation process.

In conclusion, making Japanese Strawberry Sponge Cake is a rewarding process that brings together simple ingredients and techniques to create an extraordinary dessert. With its sponge texture, creaminess, and bursts of strawberry sweetness, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe. Happy Baking!