In the world of French pastry, the Fraisier cake stands as a beacon of summer elegance, blending the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cream and almond frangipane. This classic cake, with its layers of lightness and flavor, is not just a dessert but a work of art. Here, we explore the 5 steps to bake the perfect Fraisier cake, ensuring your creation looks as exquisite as it tastes.
1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before you embark on this delicate journey, ensure you have all your ingredients at room temperature and your tools ready. For the Fraisier you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1⁄2 cup almond flour
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup strawberry purée (for soaking)
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1⁄3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup strawberry jelly or glaze
- 1⁄2 cup water
🍰 Note: Room temperature eggs and butter are essential for a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
2. Baking the Genoise Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Here's how to achieve that light, fluffy genoise:
- Separate the eggs, ensuring no yolk gets into the whites. Beat the whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding 1⁄2 cup of sugar.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt) and sift them over the butter mixture in three parts, gently folding each addition with a spatula.
- Fold in one-third of the beaten egg whites to lighten the batter, then gently fold in the remaining whites until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cakes spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Preparing the Frangipane and Strawberry Layers
While your cake cools, prepare the almond frangipane and strawberry filling:
- Make the frangipane by blending butter, sugar, almond flour, and an egg until smooth. Spread this over one of the cooled genoise layers.
- Arrange sliced strawberries in a fan pattern around the edge of the cake, then fill the middle with halved strawberries, cut side down.
🍓 Note: Opt for fresh strawberries, as their quality directly impacts the cake's taste and presentation.
4. Assembling the Fraisier
Once your cake layers and fillings are ready, here's how you assemble:
- Place one layer of cake in the center of your serving plate, frangipane side up.
- Brush the top with strawberry purée to moisten the cake.
- Pipe a layer of whipped cream around the edge of the cake to act as a barrier, then fill the center with fresh strawberry slices.
- Top with the second cake layer, press down gently, and chill for about 20 minutes to set.
- Once chilled, spread a thin layer of strawberry jelly or glaze over the top for a glossy finish.
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5. Finishing Touches and Presentation
The final touches will elevate your Fraisier to a showpiece:
- Adorn the top of the cake with fresh strawberry halves or quartered pieces, arranging them artfully.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a classic look or use edible flowers for a modern touch.
- Let the cake rest in the fridge for a few hours to set properly before serving.
Now, after having shared these 5 steps to bake the perfect Fraisier cake, let's reflect on what you've achieved. You've not only learned how to create a dessert that embodies the essence of French pastry art but also mastered techniques that can be applied to a variety of other cakes and pastries. The Fraisier is a testament to patience, precision, and the joy of cooking, combining the vibrant flavors of strawberries with the subtle richness of almond and cream. Whether you're serving it at a summer gathering, a special occasion, or simply for a delightful dessert at home, this Fraisier will not only impress your guests but also provide a taste of French elegance with every bite.
Can I substitute almond flour with something else in a Fraisier cake?
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While almond flour adds a unique texture and flavor to the frangipane, you can substitute with finely ground blanched hazelnuts or cashews for a different nut profile, or even use ground oats for a nut-free alternative.
How long can I store a Fraisier cake?
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Due to its fresh fruit content, a Fraisier is best consumed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. The flavors do meld over time, but the freshness of the strawberries can degrade.
Is it possible to freeze a Fraisier cake?
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Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture and integrity of the strawberries and cream. However, you can freeze the unfilled genoise layers for future use.
What are the signs that my Fraisier is correctly assembled?
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Your Fraisier should hold together well without any slippage of layers. The cream should form a barrier around the strawberry filling, and the top layer should be level and glossy from the jelly or glaze.
