SAEDNEWS: This Strawberry Brita Cake is a charming blend of soft sponge, crunchy meringue, and fresh strawberries, making it a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
According to SAEDNEWS, to love this cake, you need two things: taste buds (which should be no obstacle when cream, meringue, butter cake, and berries are in play) and a willingness to embrace its disheveled charm. By the time you slice it, it might look more like a heap of cake parts than a picture-perfect slice — but unlike other messes in life, this one is delightful, edging into trifle territory.
A note: cakes with baked-on meringues aren’t unique to Finland; you’ll find versions in Germany, Sweden, Poland, and beyond. But this Finnish one is the cake that first stopped me in my tracks, and I can’t wait to hear about all of your favorites too.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for meringue stability)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then add vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.
5. Spread batter evenly onto prepared pan.
6. For the meringue: beat reserved egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar (and cream of tartar, if using) until stiff peaks form.
7. Spread meringue over batter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp on top. Cool completely.
8. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
9. To assemble: slice cooled cake in half. Spread whipped cream and strawberries between layers. Top with more cream and berries.
10. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 day.
You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of fresh seasonal berries. For a festive variation, add a drizzle of chocolate or lemon zest over the whipped cream before serving.
