Welcome to my culinary adventure. Here, I share with you the easy fraisier cake recipe. This classic French cake is perfect for any special event. It has layers of fluffy sponge, creamy fraisier cake with pastry cream, and fresh strawberries.
This cake is sure to wow your guests with its looks. Making this homemade fraisier cake is a fun journey. You’ll learn how simple ingredients can make a beautiful dessert. Let’s start making this elegant treat that will delight everyone at your table!
For a detailed recipe and tips on baking the perfect fraisier cake, check out the full guide here.
What is a Fraisier Cake?
The fraisier cake is a classic French dessert that combines flavors and textures beautifully. It comes from France and is named after the French word for strawberries, “fraise.” The cake has two light layers of Genoise sponge, filled with Diplomat cream, and topped with fresh strawberries.
This cake is loved for its stunning look and delicious taste. It’s a favorite among those who love pastries.
Origins of the Fraisier Cake
The fraisier cake started in the 1930s in France. This was when new strawberry varieties became available for desserts. The cake is known for its French elegance.
It’s often decorated with a half-strawberry on the outside. This adds to its beauty and taste.
Key Ingredients in a Classic French Fraisier Cake
Several ingredients are key to a traditional fraisier cake:
- Genoise sponge: Made with eggs, caster sugar, flour, and cornstarch.
- Diplomat cream: Made from full cream milk, vanilla, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, gelatin, and heavy cream.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are used for decoration and filling, adding flavor and color.
To make the sponge, whisk eggs and sugar for 5 to 8 minutes until pale and fluffy. These ingredients create a dessert that shows French culinary skill. For more on making a classic fraisier cake, see this guide.
Variations of the Fraisier Cake
While the strawberry fraisier cake is well-known, there are many variations. You can try different berry flavors or add chocolate layers. This makes the dessert both tasty and visually appealing.
Benefits of Making an Easy Fraisier Cake Recipe
Making a simple fraisier cake is a joy. It shows off my baking skills and impresses everyone who tries it. The mix of genoise, pastry cream, and strawberries makes it a standout dessert.
Impress Your Guests with Elegant Presentation
The cake’s elegant presentation is a big plus. A ring of strawberries around the cake catches the eye. It’s a masterpiece that gets lots of compliments.
Having this cake around makes any gathering special. It’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just hanging out. Its light taste and fresh strawberries are perfect for summer.
For a fun twist, serve your cake with a refreshing drink. Try this watermelon slushie for a festive touch.
Easy Fraisier Cake Recipe
Making a moist fraisier cake can seem hard, but this easy recipe makes it simple. You’ll get all the ingredients and a step-by-step guide. Let’s explore the world of this French classic together!
Ingredients Required
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine sugar (caster sugar)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups bleached cake flour (such as Swan’s Down)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 cup superfine sugar (caster sugar)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature, cubed and divided
- 5 tablespoons amaretto liqueur, divided
- 1 pound fresh ripe strawberries, stemmed and halved lengthwise (about 3 cups)
- For the lemon syrup: 70ml (4½ tbsp) of water
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Moist Fraisier Cake
Follow this guide to make a perfect fraisier cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Over indirect heat, whisk for about 4 minutes until it doubles in volume.
- Remove from heat and continue whisking for 10-12 minutes until fluffy and light. Add in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the cake flour and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and just under 5cm (2in) tall.
- While the cake cools, prepare the pastry cream. Heat the milk, vanilla bean paste, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, whisking constantly until thickened, approximately 4 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat half of the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the pastry cream, mixing well.
- In another bowl, prepare the diplomat cream by whipping heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the pastry cream mixture.
- For assembly, slice the cooled sponge cake horizontally. Layer it in a serving dish, alternating with pastry cream, halved strawberries, and more pastry cream. Repeat until all layers are used, finishing with a layer of diplomat cream.
- Cover with a marzipan disc (23cm/9in) if desired and chill the cake for a minimum of 3-4 hours or preferably overnight.
Making a moist fraisier cake is fun. You’ll impress everyone with your baking skills. Try this recipe for more sweet ideas!
Tips for Baking a Perfect Fraisier Cake
Making a perfect fraisier cake is more than just a recipe. It needs detail and practical tips. This guide will help you make a moist sponge, creamy vanilla pastry cream, and assemble it beautifully.
Creating a Moist Sponge Layer
To get a moist sponge, use warm sugar in your batter. This method gives a fine crumb and rich taste. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and get your baking tin ready.
The right mix is 4 eggs, 125g of caster sugar, 125g of cake flour, and 2 tsp of baking powder. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s golden. Watch it closely as oven times can differ.
Preparing Creamy Vanilla Pastry Cream
The cream filling is the cake’s magic. Mix 500ml of full cream milk, seeds from 1 vanilla pod, 3 eggs, 60g of cornflour, and 100g of caster sugar in a saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until it thickens, about 4 minutes.
Be patient! Once thick, cool for 10-15 minutes. Then, mix in 200g of unsalted butter for a smooth, creamy filling.
Assembling Your Cake with Precision
Assembling with care makes your cake look stunning. Start by lining a 9” springform tin with acetate for a clean edge. Brush your moist sponge layer with strawberry syrup made from 80g of finely sliced strawberries, 80g of caster sugar, 70g of water, 1 tbsp of Cointreau, and juice from half a lemon.
Place strawberries around the inside, using about 12 halves for decoration. Fill with creamy vanilla pastry cream and repeat the layers as you like.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fraisier Cake
Making a perfect fraisier cake is a joy, but mistakes can ruin it. Knowing these common errors can improve your baking. It leads to a beautiful dessert.
Overbaking the Sponge
Many people make the mistake of overbaking sponge. This makes the cake dry and less appealing. To avoid this, watch your baking time closely. Check if it’s done a few minutes early. The sponge should spring back when touched.
Using Overripe Strawberries
Choosing the right strawberries is key. Overripe strawberries can spoil the cake’s look and taste. I choose firm, even-sized strawberries for a better look and taste. These berries make the cake look and taste great.
Skipping the Chilling Process
Patience is important when making your fraisier cake. Skipping the chilling step can make the cake unstable. I refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes after assembling. This helps the layers stick together. These fraisier cake tips make the cake stable and easy to serve.
By avoiding these mistakes, I can make a stunning fraisier cake. Each layer is important, and getting it right makes a big difference.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overbaking the Sponge | Dry texture | Monitor bake times closely |
| Using Overripe Strawberries | Loss of freshness and appeal | Select firm, evenly sized strawberries |
| Skipping the Chilling Process | Unstable layers | Chill for at least 30 minutes post-assembly |
Conclusion
Making an easy fraisier cake recipe is a fun journey that brings French dessert magic to your kitchen. This cake, with its moist sponge, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, is a treat for the taste buds. It’s also perfect for any celebration.
The process requires attention to detail. From baking for about 25 minutes to chilling for 3 to 4 hours, it ensures your cake looks and tastes great.
Sharing your fraisier cake with friends and family is incredibly rewarding. It brings people together, creating a sense of community among baking lovers. Encourage others to share their baking stories too. This exchange can inspire more delicious desserts and improve our cooking skills.
Are you ready to make this French dessert? With the tips from this article and careful attention to common mistakes, your fraisier cake will surely impress. Explore French desserts and maybe even try a strawberry lemonade to go with it!
