Delve into the elegance of French patisserie with this Classic Fraisier Cake, a stunning dessert that marries soft Genoise sponge, luscious vanilla cream, and vibrant fresh strawberries. This recipe captures the essence of a traditional Fraisier, offering a balance of textures and flavors that are both refreshing and richly satisfying. Whether for a special celebration or as a delightful weekend project, this Fraisier cake promises to impress with its beautiful layers and exquisite taste.
Why You’ll Love This
The Fraisier is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication. The light Genoise sponge provides a delicate base that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the vanilla-infused mousseline cream. Fresh strawberries not only add a pop of color and flavor but also a juicy, refreshing contrast to the creamy layers. This cake is visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for spring and summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for something special.
Perfect Occasion
This Fraisier cake is ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or Mother’s Day. It's also perfect for any spring or summer event, from garden parties to elegant brunches. Serving this cake not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of French elegance to your table.
Decoration Tips
To finish your Fraisier cake, arrange halved strawberries around the edge of the top layer for a classic look. You can also pipe additional whipped cream on top for more elegance. A light dusting of powdered sugar or edible flowers adds a lovely final touch, enhancing the cake’s visual appeal and giving it a festive look.
Ingredients: For the Genoise Sponge:
- 4 eggs
- 110g sugar
- 110g flour
- 20g cornstarch
For the Syrup:
- 110ml water
- 80g sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Cream:
- 350ml milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 80g sugar
- 25g cornstarch
- 15g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 vanilla bean
- 9g gelatin leaves (soaked in cold water and then melted)
- 450ml heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
Additional:
- Strawberry jam
- About 700g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Directions:
- Make the Sponge:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Sift in flour and cornstarch, folding gently to combine.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool, then slice horizontally into two layers.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- Combine water, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Vanilla Cream:
- Heat milk with the scraped vanilla bean. In a separate bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Pour hot milk over yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to heat and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, add softened butter, and dissolved gelatin, mixing until smooth. Let cool slightly, then fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one sponge layer in a cake ring. Brush with syrup, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam, and arrange halved strawberries around the edge, cut-side out.
- Pour half the vanilla cream over the sponge, add a layer of halved strawberries, then cover with the second sponge layer. Brush with more syrup.
- Top with remaining cream and smooth out. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Remove the cake ring, arrange more strawberries on top, and if desired, pipe whipped cream for decoration.
Enjoy your Classic Fraisier Cake, a beautiful and decadent treat that celebrates the delightful flavors of strawberries and cream!