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
- 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.
- 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.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- 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.
- 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!
