Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries
Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries - An Unforgettable Delight
The Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries is a splendid dessert that combines the fine texture of red velvet layers with the fresh and sweet flavor of strawberries. This recipe has won the hearts of many and will surely become a favorite in your home as well. It is perfect for special occasions, but also for moments when you want to indulge in something truly delicious.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 ml buttermilk
- 250 g flour
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (recommended from Vanilla Pods)
- 1 teaspoon black cocoa
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the cream:
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- 100 g sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- 50 ml sweetened condensed milk
For the jelly:
- 500 g strawberries (frozen)
- 100 ml berry syrup
- 1 packet gelatin
- 50 ml cold water
- 150 g sugar
Decoration:
- White chocolate, grated or melted
Necessary tools:
- 2 detachable cake pans
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Plastic wrap
- Hand blender
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the cake layers
1. Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, mix the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and increases in volume, about 5-7 minutes. This is the secret to an airy cake.
2. Adding wet ingredients: Slowly add the melted butter while continuously mixing. Then, incorporate the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to gently mix.
3. Mixing dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, red coloring, and baking powder. Mix well until homogeneous.
4. Combining the mixtures: Start adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, mixing carefully to avoid losing air from the batter.
5. Baking the layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test. Once baked, remove the layers and let them cool on a rack.
Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Hydrating the gelatin: In a small bowl, hydrate the gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes.
2. Whipping the cream: Using the mixer, whip the heavy cream with sugar until it becomes firm. Gradually add the yogurt, mixing on low speed to avoid deflating it.
3. Melting the gelatin: Heat the sweetened condensed milk and mix it with the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves completely. Add this mixture to the whipped cream and mix gently.
Step 3: Preparing the strawberry jelly
1. Boiling the strawberries: Place the frozen strawberries in a saucepan along with the berry syrup. Boil for about 15 minutes until they become soft.
2. Adding sugar: Add the sugar and let it boil for a few more minutes to dissolve.
3. Hydrating and melting the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in cold water, then melt it in a double boiler. Blend the strawberries with a hand blender, adding the gelatin and mixing well to achieve a smooth puree.
Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Preparing the mold: Place a platter for assembling the cake and use the ring of the cake pan lined with plastic wrap.
2. Place the first layer: Put one of the layers on the platter, spread the strawberry puree, saving a few tablespoons for decoration, and refrigerate for an hour.
3. Add the cream: Pour the cream over the strawberry puree and refrigerate for another hour.
4. Add the second layer: Place the second layer on top and spread it with the remaining strawberry puree.
5. Decorating the cake: Decorate the cake with grated or melted white chocolate for an elegant look.
Useful tips
- Gelatin: Ensure that the gelatin is well-hydrated and melted; otherwise, the cream will not have the desired consistency.
- Fresh strawberries: If you have access to fresh strawberries, you can use them instead of frozen ones. This will bring an even more intense flavor.
- Variations: Instead of strawberries, you can experiment with other berries or purees, such as raspberries or blackberries, to change the appearance and flavor of the cake.
Nutritional benefits
The Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This dessert can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the outcome will vary depending on the type of flour used.
How can I avoid the cake layers being too dry?
Make sure not to bake the layers longer than necessary. When the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take them out of the oven.
What drinks pair well with this cake?
A sparkling wine or a fruit tea are excellent choices to complement this dessert.
Serving
The Red Velvet Cake with Strawberries can be served plain, alongside a scoop of whipped cream, or with a chocolate sauce for those who love intense sweetness. You can decorate it with fresh mint leaves for an even more appealing look.
Certainly, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! So, don't hesitate, gather the ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cake that won't be forgotten anytime soon!
Ingredients: Base: 2 large eggs, 1 pinch of salt, 200 g sugar, 100 g melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, 100 ml buttermilk, 250 g flour, 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (I used vanilla pods, just like Simona), 1 teaspoon black cocoa, 1 tablespoon baking powder. Cream: 300 ml sweet cream for whipping, 300 g Greek yogurt, 100 g sugar, 5 g gelatin, 50 ml condensed milk. Jelly: 500 g strawberries (frozen), 100 ml berry syrup, 1 packet of gelatin, 50 ml cold water, 150 g sugar. Decoration: white chocolate.
