Strawberry Mountain Cake: A Whimsical Reimagining of the Classic Karpatka with Fresh Berries

Indulge in the enchanting Strawberry Mountain Cake, a delightful twist on the traditional Eastern European dessert, now featuring luscious strawberries. This dessert showcases a captivating choux pastry base, known for its puff and rise, creating a whimsical, rugged texture reminiscent of mountain peaks. Each layer is sumptuously filled with a smooth, vanilla-infused cream and adorned with vibrant, fresh strawberries and light whipped cream, crafting a visually striking and palate-pleasing treat.

Why You'll Love This:

The Strawberry Mountain Cake is a feast for the senses, combining the tender crispness of choux pastry with the creamy richness of vanilla pudding. Fresh strawberries intersperse the layers, offering a burst of freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile. The whipped cream topping adds a luxurious finish, making every bite a perfect blend of texture and taste. This cake is a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and novel.

Perfect Occasion:

This cake is ideal for a wide array of gatherings and celebrations. Its unique appearance and delightful flavors make it perfect for festive occasions like birthdays and holiday parties, or as a charming centerpiece at a bridal shower or an elegant brunch. It's also a wonderful choice for any event where you want to impress guests with a dessert that looks as extraordinary as it tastes.

Decoration Tips:

For an exquisite presentation of the Strawberry Mountain Cake, consider the following decoration tips:

  • Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar to accentuate the "mountainous" texture of the pastry.
  • Arrange halved or sliced strawberries in a beautiful crown around the top edge or in a circular pattern on the surface for a burst of color.
  • Optional garnishes like mint leaves or a drizzle of strawberry coulis can add an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
  • Serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for added indulgence.

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 100 ml Water
    • 75 g Unsalted Butter
    • 100 g All-Purpose Flour
    • 3 Large Eggs
  • For the Cream:
    • 1 Liter Milk
    • 3 Packs of Vanilla Pudding Mix
    • 5 tbsp Sugar
    • 200 g Unsalted Butter
  • Additional:
    • 500 g Fresh Strawberries
    • 400 ml Heavy Cream
    • Powdered Sugar for dusting
  1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
    • Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Melt the butter in a saucepan, add water and bring to a boil. Add flour and stir with a spatula over low heat for about two minutes.
    • Transfer the mixture to a mixer. While mixing, add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. The mixture will be sticky.
    • Pour half of the dough into a 24 cm round cake tin lined with parchment paper, allowing it to naturally form peaks. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  2. Make the Vanilla Cream:
    • Heat 800 ml of milk. Mix the remaining milk with sugar and vanilla pudding mix, then cook according to package instructions. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and let cool.
    • Once cool, whip the butter and gradually blend into the pudding mixture until smooth.
  3. Whip the Cream:
    • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Assemble the Cake:
    • Place the first pastry layer on a serving plate. Surround with a cake ring lined with acetate for support. Spread half of the vanilla cream, add chopped strawberries, and top with whipped cream.
    • Add the second pastry layer. Refrigerate overnight for best results.
  5. Final Touches:
    • Remove the ring and acetate. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with more fresh strawberries.

Enjoy!

This Strawberry Mountain Cake combines the classic charm of traditional baking with a fresh twist, making every occasion a little sweeter and every gathering a bit more special. Enjoy the delightful contrasts in this elegant dessert!

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