Fraisier Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Genoise Sponge

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should double in volume.
3. Fold in Flour: Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in, being careful not to deflate the batter. Finally, fold in the melted butter until just combined.
4. Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crème Mousseline

5. Infuse the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean (if using) over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. If using vanilla extract, add it after steeping.
6. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
7. Combine: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and starts to bubble.
8. Cool and Add Butter: Once thickened, remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Let it cool slightly, then beat in the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

9. Prepare the Strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and set them aside.
10. Cut the Sponge: Once the genoise sponge has cooled, slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
11. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of sponge in a cake ring or a springform pan. Spread a layer of crème mousseline over the sponge, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Add the second layer of sponge on top.
12. Finish with Cream: Spread another layer of crème mousseline on top of the second sponge layer, smoothing it out evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Decorate the Cake

13. Cover with Marzipan: If using marzipan, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cover the top of the cake. Trim any excess and smooth the edges.
14. Garnish: Decorate with fresh strawberries on top and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Fraisier Cake

• Choose Ripe Strawberries: Make sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• Chill the Cake: Allowing the cake to chill helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits or flavorings in the crème mousseline to personalize your cake.

Conclusion

The Fraisier Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer. With its stunning layers, fresh strawberries, and creamy filling, it’s not just a cake; it’s a work of art that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. Enjoy every slice of this beautiful and delicious creation!