24/09/2012
Adrian's Strawberry Sponge!
This cake can be as simple or as hard as you want to make it. For me the easier the better, but if you want to get all fancy with different layers and shapes, go right ahead, this cake base is bullet proof. I use the freshest of strawberries, and only homemade jam, plenty of cream and real vanilla
To make the sponge
6 eggs, separated
175 g caster sugar
150 g self-raising flour
¼ vanilla pod, seeds scraped
90 g unsalted butter, melted
The Filling
500g ripe strawberries, washed & hulled, but left whole
½ cup good-quality strawberry jam (homemade is best)
400mls cream
2 tablespoons castor sugar
A few teaspoons of brandy (optional)
Preheat the oven to 180ºC, butter a 25cm cake tin & line the base & sides with baking paper.
Beat the egg whites to thick, stiff peaks using the whisk attachment of your magimix & set aside
Beat the egg yolks, sugar & vanilla seeds until very pale, thick & creamy. Add the warm melted butter & sift on the flour, do not stir yet. Add a third of the egg whites 7 use a whisk or spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly. Fold in the rest of the egg whites.
Gently spoon the batter into the prepared tin & bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then invert onto a wire rack & leave to cool completely.
Whip the cream with the sugar using your magimix with the whisk attachment. Mix the strawberry jam with the brandy, if using. Slice the sponge in half & spread the bottom with the jam & a thin layer of whipped cream. Add the top of the sponge & spread the top & sides with remaining cream. Decorate with the strawberries.
Serves 7 to 10