Immerse yourself in the delicious world of strawberry cake, a true delicacy for the senses that delights both young and old.
In this article, we will explore the charm and magic behind this classic dessert that has captured the hearts of baking lovers around the world.
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Strawberry shortcake is an exquisite and refreshing dessert that combines a crunchy cookie base with a soft and creamy filling of cream cheese and cream, enhanced with the delicious flavor and aroma of fresh strawberries. This recipe will guide you step by step to create an irresistible cake that will captivate everyone's palates. The contrast between the sweetness of the strawberries and the slight acidity of the cream cheese makes it a perfect option for special occasions or simply to treat yourself to a sweet treat at any time of the year. Whether for family celebrations or gatherings with friends, this strawberry cake will become a guaranteed hit and will leave everyone wanting to repeat.
8
Portions30
minute4
hours450
kcalIngredients:
- For the base:
200 g of Digestive type cookies or vanilla cookies.
100g of melted butter.
- For the filling:
500 g of fresh strawberries, washed and without leaves.
250 g of cream cheese.
200 ml of whipping cream (milk cream).
100 g of icing sugar (powdered sugar).
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract.
8 g unflavored gelatin powder.
2 tablespoons of cold water.
- For decoration:
Fresh strawberries washed and without leaves.
Strawberry or apricot jam for shine.
Instructions
- Base preparation:
- Crush the cookies in a food processor or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
- In a bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
- Cover the bottom of a tart pan with this mixture and press firmly to form an even layer. You can use the base of a glass or spoon to help you compact it.
- Refrigerate the base while you prepare the filling.
- Preparation of the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the icing sugar and vanilla essence to the cream cheese, and continue beating until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- In another bowl, beat the whipping cream (heavy cream) until you get firm peaks.
- Preparation of the strawberries:
- Puree 250 g of strawberries with the help of a fork or a food processor.
- In a small container, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to hydrate.
- Heat the strawberry puree in a pot over medium heat. Don't let it boil, just heat it enough so it's lukewarm.
- Add the hydrated gelatin to the hot strawberry puree and stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Let the strawberry puree cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous cream.
- Cake assembly:
- Pour the cream cheese and strawberry mixture over the cookie base in the tart pan.
- Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula.
- Wash and cut the remaining strawberries into slices or pieces and place them on the surface of the cake.
- Heat some strawberry or apricot jam and lightly brush the strawberries to give them shine.
- Refrigeration:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up.
- Serve
- Once the cake has cooled and set, it is ready to serve. You can decorate it with some fresh mint leaves before presenting it.
- Ready! Now you have a delicious strawberry cake to enjoy with your loved ones. Enjoy!
Tips
- Fresh, ripe strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your cake. Look for strawberries that are firm, bright red, and show no signs of deterioration.
- Crunchy base: To achieve a crispy and firm base, make sure to crush the cookies well and mix them properly with the melted butter. Firmly press the mixture into the cake pan so that it is compact.
- Proper cooling: After assembling the cake, it is crucial to refrigerate it for the time indicated in the recipe (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight) so that it sets properly and has the right consistency when serving.
- Unflavored gelatin: Unflavored gelatin powder helps stabilize the pie filling and give it a firmer texture. Make sure to hydrate it properly and dissolve it in the warm strawberry puree before adding it to the cream cheese and cream mixture.
- Creative decoration: You can decorate the strawberry cake in different ways, such as creating a pattern with the cut strawberries or adding mint leaves for a fresh and colorful touch.
- Vary the fruits: If you can't find fresh strawberries or want to try different flavors, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries or blueberries.
- Jam for shine: By heating the strawberry or apricot jam before applying it to the strawberries, you will achieve an attractive shine on the surface of the cake.
- Adjust the sweetness level: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of icing sugar in the cream cheese and cream mixture.
- Filling consistency: If you are looking for a denser cake, you can increase the amount of unflavored gelatin powder. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and fluffier cake, you can slightly reduce the amount of gelatin.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream: Accompany the strawberry shortcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to further enhance its flavor and texture.
Nutritional information
- Serving Size: 8g
- Calories 450kcal
- Carbohydrates 40g
- Protein 6g
- Fat 30g
- Saturated fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Fiber 2 g
- Sugar 26g
Strawberry Shortcake and health benefits
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has captured the hearts of baking lovers around the world. Its combination of a crunchy cookie base and a soft filling of cream cheese and fresh strawberries is simply irresistible. However, beyond its delicious taste, this appetizing creation can also offer health benefits, especially if the ingredients are carefully chosen and consumed in moderation.
Be careful with the ingredients:
Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to obtain a strawberry cake that is not only delicious, but also healthy. Opting for fresh, ripe strawberries guarantees the contribution of antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, which are excellent for the immune system and digestive health. By using low-fat cream cheese and whipping cream, the calorie and saturated fat content is reduced, which benefits cardiovascular health.
Sugar and fat control:
While strawberry shortcake may be tempting with its sweet flavor, it is important to consider the sugar and fat content in the recipe. Choosing to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture can decrease the caloric load and benefit those looking to maintain a healthy weight or control their blood sugar levels. Likewise, using whole-grain or low-sugar crackers for the base can improve the nutritional profile of the recipe.
Nutrient contribution:
Despite being a dessert, strawberry shortcake can provide some valuable nutrients. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and ellagic acid, which help fight oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, cream cheese provides protein and calcium, which are essential for health and strengthening bones.
Moderation and conscious enjoyment when eating strawberry cake:
As with any dessert, the key is moderation. Enjoying an adequate portion of strawberry shortcake from time to time can be part of a balanced and healthy diet. Practicing mindful enjoyment while savoring this delicious treat can help avoid overindulgence and promote a healthy relationship with food.
Conclusion:
Strawberry shortcake is much more than just a dessert; It is a culinary pleasure that can offer health benefits if prepared with carefully selected ingredients and consumed in moderation. By choosing fresh strawberries, low-fat ingredients, and reducing the amount of sugar, you can enjoy this delight without completely sacrificing health. Let us always remember that the key to a balanced diet is moderation and variety, and strawberry cake can be an occasional option that delights our palate without compromising our general well-being. So, let's enjoy every bite of this delicious and healthy strawberry shortcake!
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Image credit: freepik
