Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of a sun-drenched summer day, where delicate chamomile meets juicy strawberries in a breathtaking culinary masterpiece. This strawberry chamomile naked cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that will transport you to a dreamy garden picnic with every single bite. With its rustic, exposed layers and vibrant flavors, this cake is about to become your new obsession that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Baking
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- Chamomile tea for soaking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent the cakes from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the fresh strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the chamomile tea. Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and set it aside to cool. This will be used for soaking the cakes.
- Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cakes have cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary, ensuring a flat surface for stacking.
- Once cooled, soak each cake layer with the chamomile tea. Use a pastry brush to gently apply the tea over the top of each layer, allowing it to absorb.
- To assemble the naked cake, place one layer on a serving plate. Add a layer of fresh strawberries on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries and repeat the process, adding more strawberries on top of the second layer.
- For a finishing touch, you can add a few whole strawberries on top of the cake for decoration. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Slice and serve your beautiful strawberry chamomile naked cake to enjoy with family and friends!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smoother, more even cake batter
- When folding strawberries into the batter, be gentle to prevent bruising the fruit
- For the most intense chamomile flavor, use loose-leaf tea or high-quality tea bags
- Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before soaking with chamomile tea
- Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and appearance
- If the cake seems too moist after soaking, let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set
- For a more decorative look, consider using a mix of whole and sliced strawberries
- A serrated knife is crucial for creating even cake layers and a clean naked cake look
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
