Molehill with strawberries

Tortoise Hill with Strawberries: A Sweet and Refreshing Indulgence

If you're looking for a dessert recipe that will impress yet is easy to prepare, you've come to the right place! Tortoise Hill is an iconic cake known for its contrasting textures and delicious flavor. In this version, we’ll add a fresh and fruity twist with strawberries, turning it into a delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 5 large eggs (XXL)
- 12 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons oil
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 280 g frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 280 g marshmallows
- 3 teaspoons heavy cream
- 380 g whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons sugar

For the syrup:
- 1 teaspoon concentrated strawberry syrup
- 80 ml still water

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the cake

1. Start by preheating the oven to 190°C (375°F). It’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature for even baking.

2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 6 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix until well combined.

4. Sift the cocoa powder and baking powder over the egg yolk mixture and mix well. This ensures there are no lumps in the batter.

5. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until fully dissolved.

6. Take 2-3 tablespoons of the beaten egg whites and fold them into the egg yolk mixture. Gently mix with a spatula, then add the entire egg yolk mixture into the bowl with the egg whites. Carefully fold to maintain the airiness.

7. Sift the flour into the mixture and gently incorporate using a spatula or wooden spoon. It's crucial not to overmix to avoid deflating the batter.

8. Pour the mixture into a round (24 cm) cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 35-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is done. After baking, remove the cake and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the strawberry cream

1. In a non-stick saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften (about 10 minutes, but timing may vary depending on the type of pot used).

2. Once the strawberries have released their juices, turn off the heat and add the marshmallows. Let sit for a minute, then stir well, ensuring each marshmallow melts completely. This will create a creamy and velvety texture.

3. After the mixture has cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. To speed up the process, you can place the pot in a bowl of cold water.

4. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2 teaspoons of sugar until fluffy. Gently fold in the chilled strawberry cream, mixing lightly.

Step 3: Assemble the cake

1. Carefully cut the cake, ensuring the edges remain intact, then use a spoon to scoop out pieces from the center, being careful not to remove too much. You should have a base of about 3-4 cm.

2. Soak the base with a little syrup made from 1 teaspoon of concentrated strawberry syrup diluted in 80 ml of still water, then add the strawberry cream. Cover with the crumbs from the cut cake, gently pressing down to secure.

3. After adding the crumbs, you can drizzle them with a bit of syrup. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Finishing and Serving

If you want to enhance the flavor, you can serve Tortoise Hill with fresh strawberry sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on top. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a gathering with friends.

Additionally, you can experiment with different berries or even melted chocolate added to the cream for a more decadent version.

Nutritional Information

This cake, while delicious, is rich in calories, containing approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used. It's important to enjoy it in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content from the marshmallows and whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, but make sure to cook them sufficiently to release their juices.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use sugar-free marshmallows.

3. What other fruits can I use instead of strawberries?
Raspberries or blackberries would be excellent alternatives, providing a different note of acidity.

4. How can I store the cake?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite! Tortoise Hill with strawberries is a true delight, and your friends and family will surely fall in love with it!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 large eggs (xxl), 12 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, 50 g cocoa, 2 tablespoons of oil, a pinch of salt, optional 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Cream: 280 g frozen strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 280 g marshmallows, 3 teaspoons of fine creamy sour cream, 380 g whipping cream, 2 teaspoons of sugar. Syrup: 1 teaspoon of concentrated strawberry syrup, 80 ml still water.

 Tags:  molehill