Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Beat eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until pale, thick, and tripled in volume (5-7 minutes).
- Sift cake flour over egg mixture in three batches, gently folding with a spatula after each addition. Mix melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, temper with batter, then fold back into main batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, tap to remove air bubbles. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and springy. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Wash and hull strawberries. Reserve 10 perfect berries for decoration, slice the rest. Whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Slice cooled cake horizontally into two even layers. Brush cut sides with strawberry jam if using. Spread whipped cream on bottom layer, arrange sliced strawberries, cover with more cream. Place top layer and cover entire cake with remaining whipped cream. Decorate with whole strawberries.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and cream to set. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts.
Notes
Room temperature eggs are crucial for maximum volume when whipping. Use gentle folding motion to preserve air bubbles. Cake flour is essential for tender crumb. Ensure bowl, beaters, and cream are all cold for best whipped cream texture. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best results.
