Strawberry and apricot cake

Strawberry and Apricot Cake - A Fresh and Aromatic Delight

We invite you to dive into the world of sweet delights with this strawberry and apricot cake recipe, a quick and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy choice due to the fresh fruits. Dreaming of a cake that will impress? Then let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients needed:

*For the cake base:*
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 small cup (coffee) of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1.5 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of milk (to adjust consistency)

*For the cream:*
- 1 packet of cake cream (preferably vanilla flavored)
- 250 ml of milk

*For decoration:*
- 300 g of fresh strawberries
- 2 diced apricots

Step by step: Preparing the cake

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential that the temperature remains constant to ensure an even base.
2. In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar using a mixer at medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume, which will give the base a fluffy texture.
3. Gradually add the oil, continuing to mix as if making mayonnaise. The oil adds moisture and contributes to a soft texture.
4. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is important to avoid lumps and ensure uniformity in the dough.
5. Gently incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula to keep the air in the structure. If the dough is too dense, add the two tablespoons of milk, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous consistency.
6. Grease a round cake pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface gently.
7. Bake the base in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Follow the instructions on the cake cream packet. Usually, you need to mix the cream with 250 ml of milk and whip it until fluffy. You can use a mixer or a spatula, depending on your preference.
2. Once the cream is ready, let it chill in the fridge to firm up a bit while the base cools.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has completely cooled, place it on a serving platter. Pour the cream evenly over the surface of the base, spreading it with a spatula.
2. Wash the strawberries and apricots, then slice or dice them as preferred. Arrange them nicely on top of the cream, giving the cake an attractive and colorful appearance.
3. Use a little of the remaining cream to decorate the edges of the platter or to create artistic shapes on the cake. This will add an extra touch of elegance.

Step 4: Chilling and serving
1. Let the cake chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld and to make it easier to cut.
2. Serve it with a smile and enjoy every delicious slice! You can accompany this dessert with a glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Practical Tips:
- Use room temperature eggs for better foam.
- You can vary the fruits according to the season – peaches, raspberries, or blueberries are excellent alternatives.
- For an extra flavor note, you can add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the cake cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour? - Yes, you can substitute wheat flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may change.
2. How can I store the cake? - You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
3. Is it possible to freeze the cake? - Although it's not ideal, you can freeze the base (without cream) and thaw it before adding the cream and fruits.

This strawberry and apricot cake is more than just a dessert; it's a way to bring joy to moments spent with loved ones. Whether it's for an anniversary, a party, or simply a family evening, this recipe will bring a smile to everyone's faces. Try it today and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Cake base: 4 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, a pinch of vanilla sugar, a small cup (coffee) of oil, 1 and a half cups of flour, a pinch of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of milk. Cream: 1 packet of cream for pastries, 250 ml of milk. Fruits: 300 g of strawberries, 2 apricots.