Spring Has Sprung!

What's in Season?

Spring is strawberry season! They are high in vitamin C and can be used in sweet and savory recipes or enjoyed on their own. Make this delicious strawberry shortcake to enjoy Spring! This cake is refreshing, not too sweet, and is sure to impress!

Ingredients-

Cake-

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup cake flour**
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

**can be substituted with 1 cup minus 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour and 1 tbsp of cornstarch

Cream-

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings-

• Strawberries
• Chocolate shavings (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions-

For the cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and salt. Put it over a small pot of boiling water, making a double boiler. Then, whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves. Then, take off the pot and use an electric mixer to whisk until the mixture is thick and fluffy. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift the flour. Finally, in another bowl, combine the milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Fold together the whipped eggs, flour, and milk mixture with a spatula until combined. Make sure all the flour from the sides and bottom is scraped off and mixed in thoroughly, making sure to avoid overmixing. Finally, pour equal amounts of batter into each cake pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 8-10 minutes, run a knife around the edges of the pan, and flip out onto a wire rack to fully cool.

For the cream:

In a large bowl, pour in the heavy cream and start whisking with an electric mixer. This can also be done with a hand whisk, but it will take much longer. After soft peaks occur, slowly pour in the sugar and the vanilla extract. Whisk until there are stiff peaks. Taste to make sure everything is to your preference and adjust accordingly.

Assembly:

Put one of the cakes on a cake plate and add on some of the whipped cream. Place sliced strawberries all over and add a little bit more cream to ensure the next layer sticks on. After placing the second layer, add more cream and garnish with strawberries and optionally, chocolate shavings and powdered sugar. Frosting the sides is optional, but I think it looks better as a more rustic cake. Chill for an hour and then enjoy!