To Swedes, Midsummer would not be Midsummer without strawberries, a symbol of the summer solstice and the return of the light. Strawberries are the favorite dessert for this festive holiday.They may be served alone with sugar and whipped cream, with vanilla ice cream, or in this tasty torte.
To Swedes, Midsummer would not be Midsummer without strawberries, a symbol of the summer solstice and the return of the light. Strawberries are the favorite dessert for this festive holiday.They may be served alone with sugar and whipped cream, with vanilla ice cream, or in this tasty torte.
Cake:
4 tbsp. butter
1 1/4c. sifted cake flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 large eggs
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract or the zest of
1 lemon
1/2 c. milk or water
Icing:
8 oz. heavy cream
1 pt. fresh or frozen (thawed,
drained, hulled, and sliced)
strawberries
6 tbsp. strawberry jam
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by cutting waxed paper the exact size of the base of the pan, plus a 29 x 2?-inch strip for the sides. (Measure the circle for the base by putting the pan on top of the waxed paper and drawing a circle around it.) Insert waxed paper in pan.
3. Melt butter and set aside to cool.
4. Mix flour and baking powder together and set aside.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar for several minutes until foamy. Add vanilla extract or lemon zest to eggs.
6. Stir milk or water into cooled melted butter.
7. Beat liquid ingredients into egg mixture, then stir in dry ingredients. Beat by hand for 1 to 2 minutes until batter is smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
8. Bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick or knife inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool on a rack. Gently peel off wax paper.
9. With a cake or bread knife, slice cake in half horizontally and separate the two horizontal halves.
10. For the icing, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip or cream will turn to butter.
11. Mix half the sliced berries with half the whipped cream.
12. Spread strawberry jam over the top of the bottom cake layer, then cover with whipped cream and berry mixture. Place the second cake layer on top of the bottom one. Frost the top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream. Decorate top with remaining strawberries.
13. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preparation time: 45 to 60 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Makes 1 9-inch torte
*To save time, you can use packaged white or yellow cake mix.
