Grandma's Strawberry Cake
Strawberry Cake a la Buni
I propose a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This strawberry cake is a quick dessert, ideal for warm summer days or for moments when you want to indulge yourself. The sweet and juicy strawberries blend perfectly with the fluffy texture of the cake, offering an explosion of flavors in every slice. Let's begin our culinary adventure!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 400 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 330 ml buttermilk
- 150 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 500 g strawberries (thawed and drained)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
A Brief History of the Recipe
Fruit cakes, especially those with strawberries, have a long-standing tradition in many cultures' cuisines, often associated with the warm season and the joy of savoring nature's bounty. These desserts are often made in families, passed down from generation to generation, and are frequently linked to pleasant memories spent with loved ones. The recipe I will share today is inspired by this tradition, featuring a personal touch that makes it unique.
Step by Step: Making Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Strawberries
Start by thawing the strawberries in the refrigerator the night before. Place them in a strainer to drain excess juice. This step is essential as it prevents the cake from becoming too wet.
Step 2: Beating the Eggs
In a large bowl, combine the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat well until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy and light in color. This step will ensure a fluffy cake.
Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients
Add the oil and buttermilk to the egg mixture, continuing to mix at medium speed. Buttermilk adds moisture and a soft texture to the cake.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined. It is important not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Step 5: Preparing the Baking Pan
Line a 25x30 cm baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured to the bottom of the pan. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.
Step 6: Pouring the Mixture
Carefully pour the mixture into the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. This step ensures even baking of the cake.
Step 7: Adding the Strawberries
Sprinkle the strawberries on top of the mixture, trying to distribute them evenly across the surface. Each slice will have a generous portion of delicious strawberries.
Step 8: Baking the Cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for 30-35 minutes. Try the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
Step 9: Cooling and Slicing
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Then, remove the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares.
Step 10: Decorating
For an attractive appearance, dust the cake with powdered sugar. You can also add half a fresh strawberry on each portion for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Useful Tips
- Choosing Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, choose firm, ripe ones without blemishes. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are of high quality.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a different cake each time. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a vanilla sauce. You can accompany the dessert with herbal tea or a glass of fresh lemonade for a complete experience.
Nutritional Information
Each portion of cake contains approximately 220 calories, making it a relatively light choice, full of vitamins and antioxidants from strawberries. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and low in calories, making them excellent for a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of milk?
Of course, you can use almond milk or soy milk for a vegan version of this cake.
2. What can I do if I don't have vanilla sugar?
You can use regular sugar or, if you want to keep the vanilla flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract.
3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.
So, I wish you good luck in making this strawberry cake a la Buni! It is a dessert that will surely bring joy and satisfaction to all who enjoy it. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 400g flour, 250g sugar, 3 eggs, 330ml buttermilk, 150ml oil, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 1 packet of baking powder, 500g strawberries, powdered sugar for decoration
