Indulging in a slice of old-fashioned fresh cream cake is like taking a delightful journey back in time. With its soft, moist texture and rich flavor, this classic dessert never fails to charm taste buds and evoke nostalgia. In this article, we’ll explore a timeless recipe for creating the perfect vanilla sponge cake with a luscious fresh cream filling and tantalizing toppings.
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge Cake:
- 1½ cups cake flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup caster sugar
- 180g soft butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
Filling:
- 600ml fresh cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- Strawberry/apricot jam (optional)
For the Topping:
- Leftover cream from the filling
- Canned apricot/peaches slices or fresh strawberries
Method
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Pre-heat your oven to 170°C.
- Grease two 18cm round cake pans and line bottoms with greaseproof paper.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl until light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Beat the eggs in one at a time.
- Fold in the dry ingredients slowly, stirring gently until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Filling:
- Whip the fresh cream, sugar, and vanilla essence in a clean bowl until the cream holds a stiff peak.
Assembling the Cake:
- Sandwich the cooled cakes together with a layer of jam (if using) and a third of the whipped cream.
- Spread the remaining cream over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish or dip the sides with crushed peanuts or roasted desiccated coconut.
- Top with slices of canned apricot, peaches, or fresh strawberries.
Conclusion
In a fast-paced world, taking the time to indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade treats like old-fashioned fresh cream cake can be incredibly rewarding. With its irresistible taste and timeless appeal, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for generations to come.
Unique FAQs
- Q: Can I use different fruits for the topping? A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use your favorite fruits or whatever is in season.
- Q: Can I make the cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble.
- Q: Can I substitute whipped cream with another frosting? A: While fresh cream adds a unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with other frostings if desired.
- Q: How long will the cake last? A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Q: Can I freeze the cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
