This exquisite Strawberry Genoise Cake features a light and airy genoise sponge, filled and topped with luxurious diplomat cream, and adorned with fresh strawberries. Infused with homemade strawberry syrup, this cake balances sweetness and tartness perfectly, making it a visually stunning and palate-pleasing dessert. Ideal for special occasions, this cake is sure to impress with its delicate flavors and sophisticated appearance.
Why You’ll Love This: The combination of fluffy sponge cake, rich diplomat cream, and the natural zest of strawberries creates a harmonious dessert that’s not overwhelmingly sweet. The strawberry syrup adds a lovely moistness to the cake, enhancing the fresh berry flavor that permeates each layer. The diplomat cream, enriched with gelatin, provides a smooth and creamy consistency that holds the layers together beautifully, making each slice both sturdy and delicious.
Perfect Occasion: This Strawberry Genoise Cake is perfect for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, or any spring and summer gatherings. Its elegant presentation makes it a fantastic centerpiece for dessert tables at festive events.
Decoration Tips: For a truly beautiful presentation, arrange halved strawberries around the bottom edge of the cake, with the cut sides facing outward against the cake ring for a stunning visual effect. Top the cake with additional strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. If desired, piped whipped cream rosettes can add a decorative and luxurious touch.
Ingredients:
Diplomat Cream:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
- 3 teaspoons water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Genoise Cake:
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup flour
- ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
Strawberry Syrup:
- ⅓ cup strawberries, cubed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
Assembly Ingredients:
- ½ pound strawberries, cubed for filling and halved for decoration
Instructions:
- Prepare Diplomat Cream:
- Simmer milk and vanilla in a saucepan, then set aside ¼ cup of this mixture.
- Whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a bowl. Gradually add the reserved ¼ cup milk to temper the yolks.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan with remaining milk, cooking over medium-low heat until thickened.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to set.
- Bloom gelatin in water; microwave briefly to dissolve. Whisk gelatin into the chilled pastry cream.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Fold into the pastry cream to complete the diplomat cream.
- Bake Genoise Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment.
- Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Sift in flour and baking powder, folding gently.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and slice horizontally if baked in one pan.
- Create Strawberry Syrup:
- Simmer strawberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan until strawberries break down. Strain and cool.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place first cake layer in a ring mold lined with acetate. Brush with syrup.
- Arrange halved strawberries around the edge. Pipe diplomat cream inside, covering the first layer.
- Add a layer of cubed strawberries, then the second cake layer. Top with remaining diplomat cream.
- Chill overnight to set.
- Final Touches:
- Remove the ring and acetate. Decorate with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Genoise Cake, a dessert that offers a perfect blend of texture and flavor, ideal for making any occasion memorable!
