1-Getting Started with the Cake Base: First, melt the butter and let it cool to room temperature. Then, sift the cake flour and mix it with 0.5 teaspoon salt to ensure even distribution. Whisk the egg whites with 1 tablespoon lemon juice until they form a stiff meringue, which adds to the cake’s light texture.

2-Next, beat the 4 large egg yolks with 250 grams sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. Add the cooled butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the sifted flour mixture, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the meringue carefully to keep the batter airy, then pour it into a 26 cm springform pan.

3-Bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes until golden and set. While the cake bakes, you can prepare the other elements to save time.

4-Creating the Strawberry Coulis and Cream: Whip 600 grams of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons icing sugar and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla essence, setting some aside for frosting later. For the strawberry coulis, cook 750 grams of strawberries with 0.75 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until soft, then puree the mixture. This step adds that fresh berry punch to your strawberry Bavarian cream cake.

5-To make the Bavarian cream, soften 5 gelatin leaves in water as directed. Warm 1 cup milk, and in a separate bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with 0.25 cup sugar over a water bath until thickened. Gradually add the warm milk and cook until pasteurized, then mix in 1 cup strawberry coulis and the melted gelatin. Combine this with 200 grams cream cheese and 400 milliliters whipped cream, and chill until set for a creamy filling.

6-Assembling and Finishing: Once cooled, cut the baked sponge into four layers and lightly soak each with a simple syrup for moisture. Layer the Bavarian cream between the cake pieces and refrigerate to set. For the frosting, melt 180 grams white chocolate and mix with 200 milliliters whipped cream and 0.5 cup strawberry puree, adding 2 drops red food color for a pretty shade.

7-Decorate with the frosting and 12 fresh strawberries for a final touch. For more ideas on fresh berry desserts, check out our easy dessert recipes page to explore other light and fruity options.