Description
This Japanese Christmas Cake, a delightful strawberry shortcake, features a light and fluffy sponge layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for the holiday season, this elegant cake combines the subtle sweetness of a traditional sponge with the rich, creamy texture of whipped cream and the fresh burst of strawberries. It’s a beloved festive treat in Japan and sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs
- 120g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 120g (1 cup) cake flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Whipped Cream Filling
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line an 18cm (7-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together vigorously until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and forms ribbons when lifted, approximately 8 minutes.
- Fold in Cake Flour: Sift the cake flour and gently fold it into the egg mixture using a spatula to maintain the airy texture without deflating the batter.
- Add Butter and Milk: Combine the melted unsalted butter with milk, then carefully fold this mixture into the batter, ensuring an even distribution without losing volume.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, indicating the cream holds shape but is still smooth.
- Slice and Fill Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, slice it horizontally into two layers. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream on the bottom half and evenly arrange the strawberry halves over the cream.
- Assemble and Decorate Cake: Place the top cake layer over the strawberries. Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with additional fresh strawberries on top for an attractive finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to set and allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs and sugar are beaten sufficiently to incorporate air, which gives the cake its characteristic fluffiness.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- The cake can be prepared a day ahead, but keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
- If desired, you can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream, but make sure it has at least 30% fat for stability.
- The cake flour must be sifted to avoid lumps and to maintain a light texture.