Fraisier Cake Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking to impress with a show-stopping dessert, the Fraisier Cake is an exquisite choice. This traditional French strawberry cake is known for its delicate layers of sponge cake, rich pastry cream, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert, this Fraisier Cake recipe will guide you through the steps to create a stunning and delicious masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 120g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pastry Cream:

• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 120g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 40g (1/3 cup) cornstarch
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter

For the Assembly:

• 500g (about 1 lb) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream, whipped
• Marzipan or almond paste for decoration
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume, about 5-7 minutes. Add the vanilla extract.
3. Sift the flour and salt together, then gently fold into the egg mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

1. Heat the milk with the vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or vanilla extract in a medium saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
2. Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
5. Stir in the butter until fully melted and smooth. Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Assemble the Fraisier Cake

1. Slice the cooled sponge cake horizontally into two even layers.
2. Place one layer of the sponge cake onto a serving plate and spread a thin layer of pastry cream over it.
3. Arrange the halved strawberries around the edge of the cake with the cut side facing out. Fill the center with more strawberries.
4. Fill the gaps between the strawberries with more pastry cream, then spread a thicker layer over the top of the strawberries.
5. Place the second layer of sponge cake on top and gently press down.
6. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Decorate the Cake

1. Roll out the marzipan or almond paste into a thin layer and cut it to fit the top of the cake.
2. Place the marzipan on top of the cake and dust with powdered sugar.
3. Decorate with fresh strawberries or other toppings as desired.

Tips for the Perfect Fraisier Cake

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can also mix in other berries for a twist on the traditional recipe.
• Chill the cake thoroughly before serving to allow the pastry cream to set properly, making it easier to slice.
• Customize the marzipan decoration by adding food coloring or creating intricate designs for a more festive presentation.

Conclusion

The Fraisier Cake is a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate any occasion. With its layers of light sponge cake, creamy pastry filling, and fresh strawberries, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Follow this recipe to create your own Fraisier Cake, and enjoy a slice of French elegance at your next gathering.

Serving and Storage Tips for Fraisier Cake

Serving Tips

1. Chill Before Serving: Ensure the Fraisier Cake is well chilled before serving. This helps the pastry cream to set properly and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
2. Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the cake, use a sharp knife to make clean, even slices. Wipe the knife between cuts to maintain the cake’s presentation.
3. Portion Size: The Fraisier Cake is rich and flavorful, so consider serving smaller slices, especially if it’s part of a larger dessert spread.
4. Garnish Ideas: Before serving, you can garnish each slice with a fresh strawberry, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for added elegance.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store the Fraisier Cake in the refrigerator. Due to the fresh strawberries and pastry cream, it’s essential to keep the cake chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
2. Cover Properly: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.
3. Best Consumed Fresh: The Fraisier Cake is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation. The freshness of the strawberries and the texture of the pastry cream are at their peak during this time.
4. Freezing Not Recommended: While many cakes can be frozen, the Fraisier Cake is not ideal for freezing. The fresh strawberries and pastry cream may lose their texture and flavor when thawed.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Fraisier Cake remains fresh, delicious, and visually stunning when it’s time to enjoy it.

1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries in a Fraisier Cake?

Yes, while strawberries are traditional, you can substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. For a different twist, you could also use sliced peaches or mangoes. Just ensure that the fruit is fresh and ripe for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I prepare the Fraisier Cake in advance?

Absolutely! The Fraisier Cake can be made a day ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, covered to maintain freshness.

3. How do I prevent the pastry cream from forming a skin?

To prevent a skin from forming on the pastry cream, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream while it cools. This blocks air from reaching the surface and keeps the cream smooth.

4. What if I don’t have marzipan for the decoration?

If you don’t have marzipan, you can decorate the Fraisier Cake with a thin layer of whipped cream or fondant. You could also simply dust the top with powdered sugar and add a few extra fresh strawberries for a simple yet elegant presentation.