Strawberry and mint cake

Strawberry and mint cake: a spring delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

This strawberry and mint cake is a perfect choice for a sunny day, bringing a blend of flavors that harmoniously combine. The soft base, delicate cream, and fresh fruits create a dessert that impresses with simplicity and refinement. Let's discover together the steps to achieve this delicacy.

Ingredients for the base:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of water
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 12 tablespoons of flour (or 8 tablespoons of flour and 4 tablespoons of cocoa for a black base version)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Ingredients for the cream:
- 1 liter of whipped cream
- 500 g of cottage cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 g of sugar
- 500 g of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 packet of whipped cream stabilizer
- Vanilla essence (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base: Start by sifting the flour and cocoa (if using) into a large bowl. This will help eliminate any lumps and make the base fluffier.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks to achieve an airy base. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed, gradually adding the 8 tablespoons of water.

3. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until they become a creamy and light-colored mixture. Add the baking powder and mix gently.

4. Combining the ingredients: Fold the beaten yolks into the egg whites, mixing with a spatula with gentle up-and-down motions. Then, gradually add the sifted flour (or the flour and cocoa combination), mixing gently to retain the air in the mixture.

5. Baking: Pour the batter into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the base comes out clean. Allow the base to cool completely.

6. Preparing the cream: Meanwhile, prepare the cream. Whip the cream together with the stabilizer until firm. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the yolks and sugar, adding vanilla essence to taste. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.

7. Assembling the cake: Once the base has cooled, cut it into two equal parts. Place the first part on a platter, spread a layer of cream evenly, then add the halved strawberries. Cover with the second half of the base and decorate with the remaining cream.

8. Final decoration: Sprinkle pieces of strawberries on top and decorate with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of color and freshness.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- You can add a layer of strawberry gelatin on top of the cake for a glossy appearance and intensified flavor.
- Experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to vary the recipe.

This strawberry and mint cake is not just a quick and simple dessert but also a true delight for the taste buds, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy each slice with a glass of prosecco or iced tea, and savor the moment!

 Ingredients: For the dough, we need: 8 eggs, 8 tablespoons of water, 12 tablespoons of sugar, 12 tablespoons of flour for the white one or 8 tablespoons of flour and 4 tablespoons of cocoa for the black one, a pinch of baking powder. Ingredients for the cream: 1 liter of whipped cream, 500 grams of cow cheese, 2 egg yolks, 300 grams of sugar, 500 grams of strawberries, 1 stabilizer for whipped cream. Essence if desired, vanilla sugar, and some fresh mint.