Erdbeerkuchen mit Vanillecreme, or Strawberry Cake with Vanilla Cream, is a classic German dessert that beautifully combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh strawberries with the rich, creamy goodness of vanilla. This delightful cake is a celebration of summer and is often enjoyed during warmer months when strawberries are in season. In this post, we’ll explore the step-by-step recipe for creating this mouthwatering treat that is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Cream:
- 500ml milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 100g granulated sugar
- 40g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cake:
a. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
b. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
c. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
d. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
e. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
f. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
g. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
h. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
2. Making the Vanilla Cream:
a. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
b. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
c. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
d. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
e. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
f. Allow the vanilla cream to cool completely before spreading it over the cooled cake.
3. Assembling the Cake:
a. Once the cake and vanilla cream are both completely cooled, carefully slice the cake in half horizontally.
b. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of vanilla cream over it.
c. Arrange half of the fresh strawberry halves on top of the vanilla cream.
d. Gently place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, spreading vanilla cream and adding the remaining strawberries.
e. In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry jam until it becomes liquid. Brush the melted jam over the top of the strawberries for a glossy finish.
f. Dust the entire cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful and professional touch.
4. Serving and Enjoying:
a. Refrigerate the Erdbeerkuchen mit Vanillecreme for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.
b. Slice and serve this delightful German dessert to your family and friends. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
c. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Erdbeerkuchen mit Vanillecreme is a true delight for the senses, combining the freshness of strawberries with the velvety richness of vanilla cream. This traditional German dessert is not only a visual masterpiece but also a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly cake that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Guten Appetit!