Summer Strawberry Cake

Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring

My summer wine is really made from all these things

Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time

And I will give to you summer wine...

Mesmerizing lines from the fantastic song, Summer Wine by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood. And, when I have strawberries, the lines from this song keeps playing in my head.

Now it's strawberry season, and it's time to indulge in a cake with strawberries!

Summer Strawberry Cake

Cool Treat for the Summer

This Easter in Bangalore my house hosted a group of gregarious boys from my brother's office. While we had an elaborate menu, barbecue ( veg and chicken), honey glazed chicken wings, hariyali chicken, rice, chicken grill, pork vindaloo, and finally a dessert " Summer Strawberry cake".

When I made this cake, I never expected it to be this soft, tender and yummy. The subtle sweetness, soft sponge cake, and flavor was a bit hit with everyone.

Next, it's your turn to bake summer strawberry cake. Just follow this recipe, word by word and you'll soon join the exclusive club of bakers who have claimed this summit. Keep baking, keep discovering. :)

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups Maida
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1 teaspoon strawberry essence
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup strawberries halved

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degree C and butter a 9-inch  cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl  using beater, beat the butter and 1 cup of the sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Now add the egg and strawberry and beat on low speed until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat on low speed until smooth.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula
7. Arrange the strawberries on top, cut side down, so that they completely cover the batter
8. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the strawberries.
9. Bake for 45 minutes in 180 degree or until the cake is lightly golden and a tester comes out clean.
10.  Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.



Ready to savor 

Recipe Courtesy : Martha Stewart