Introduction

If you’re looking for a dessert that blends light, airy textures with a delightful burst of fruity sweetness, Japanese Strawberry Cake is just what you need. With its soft sponge, creamy layers, and fresh strawberries, this cake embodies the delicate, refined flavors that Japanese confections are known for. It’s a perfect treat for special occasions or a cozy afternoon tea, offering a satisfying but not overly sweet flavor profile. Whether you’ve had it at a Japanese bakery or stumbled upon it in a recipe search, this cake is bound to steal your heart with its elegant simplicity and deliciousness.

This cake is known for its light-as-air sponge cake, fresh cream filling, and a bounty of fresh strawberries. The frosting is usually a light, fluffy whipped cream, and the strawberries add just the right amount of tangy sweetness to balance the rich, velvety cream. It’s a classic example of how Japanese desserts combine aesthetics with flavor, giving you a treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason this cake has become so popular among dessert lovers:

Delicate Flavor: The subtle sweetness of the sponge combined with the fresh strawberries makes this a light yet indulgent dessert.
Fresh and Fruity: The strawberries give a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any gathering, this cake is a showstopper.
Light Texture: The sponge cake is fluffy and light, making it easy to enjoy even after a big meal.
Customizable: While strawberries are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits, or add a light glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: This recipe requires just a few simple kitchen tools, so it’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
Make It Your Own: You can personalize it with decorations or even layer in some fruit preserves for extra flavor.
Ideal for Sharing: With its layered beauty, this cake is perfect for slicing and sharing among friends and family.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 3g, Sugars: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delectable Japanese Strawberry Cake:

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs, at room temperature
120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, sifted
120g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
40g (2 1/2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp milk

the Whipped Cream Filling:

500ml (2 cups) heavy whipping cream, chilled
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

12-15 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional: Strawberry jam or fruit preserve for glazing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create your Japanese Strawberry Cake:

Prepare the Sponge Cake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the bottom and sides are covered to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift the flour and salt together. This helps create a lighter, fluffier cake.
Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and slightly foamy. This can take about 5-8 minutes. If you have a stand mixer, this step will be much easier!
Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Do this carefully to maintain the airiness of the batter. It’s important not to deflate the whipped eggs.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Warm the milk and melted butter in the microwave or on the stove until they are just lukewarm (not hot). Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold into the batter, again being gentle to preserve the lightness of the mixture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

Chill the Cream: For best results, ensure your heavy cream is well-chilled. A cold mixing bowl and whisk will also help the cream whip faster and fluffier.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or the cream will turn into butter!
Set Aside: Once the whipped cream is ready, set it aside in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cake.

Assemble the Cake

Slice the Sponge Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it into two or three even layers, depending on how tall you want your cake to be.
Spread the Whipped Cream: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Generously spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake.
Add Strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberry slices evenly on top of the whipped cream layer. You can place the strawberries in a circular pattern or more randomly, depending on your preference.
Repeat the Layers: Add the second layer of cake, more whipped cream, and more strawberries. If you have a third layer, repeat the same steps.
Top with Fresh Strawberries: For the final layer, top the cake with a generous amount of whipped cream and arrange the remaining strawberries on top in a decorative fashion.
Optional Glaze: If desired, warm a little strawberry jam or fruit preserve and brush it lightly over the top layer of strawberries for a shiny, elegant finish.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your Japanese Strawberry Cake:

Serve Immediately: This cake is best enjoyed right after it’s assembled, when the strawberries are fresh and the whipped cream is light and fluffy.
Pair with Tea: Enjoy the cake with a cup of green tea or black tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Garnish with Mint: For extra color and a refreshing twist, add a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish alongside the strawberries.
Create Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, slice the cake into small individual servings and plate with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or extra whipped cream on the side.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to serve something that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Japanese Strawberry Cake with these helpful tips:

Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries will significantly affect the overall taste of the cake. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
Make Ahead: While this cake is best fresh, you can make the sponge cake a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just assemble the cake with whipped cream and strawberries on the day of serving.
Add a Layer of Jam: If you want to add a little more sweetness, layer in some strawberry jam or fruit preserves between the cake and whipped cream layers.
Chill the Cake: After assembling the cake, refrigerate it for about an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and the whipped cream firm up slightly.
Check the Cake for Doneness: Make sure to test the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Use Different Fruits: While strawberries are traditional, you can also experiment with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix and match.
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the freshest taste, enjoy it within the first day or two.

Freezing and Storage

This cake is best served fresh, but here’s how you can store it for later enjoyment:

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will stay fresh for about 1-2 days.
Freezing the Cake: While the whipped cream doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the sponge cake layers for up to 2 months. To do so, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, let the cake layers thaw in the fridge before assembling.

faq section

efore you dive into making this gorgeous Japanese Strawberry Cake, you might have some questions. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly.

Q: Can I use a different type of fruit besides strawberries?
A: Absolutely! While strawberries are traditional, you can swap them out for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or kiwi. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and sweet for the best flavor.
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the sponge cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Wait to assemble the cake with whipped cream and strawberries until the day you’re serving it for the freshest result.
Q: How do I prevent the whipped cream from turning into butter?
A: Be sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form, but stop there! Overwhipping can cause the cream to separate and turn into butter. Keep an eye on it, and stop as soon as it’s fluffy and holds its shape.
Q: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A: Yes, you can! You can use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer. The texture might be slightly different, but the cake should still turn out light and fluffy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, Japanese Strawberry Cake is sure to impress. Its airy texture, light sweetness, and fresh strawberries make it a dessert that’s both delicious and beautiful. I love how it combines simplicity with elegance, creating a cake that feels like a luxurious treat without being overwhelming.

So why not give it a try? Get in the kitchen, have fun, and share your beautiful creation with loved ones. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Preparation Time and Cook Time