How to Make Spanish Tarta de Fresas: Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipe

1- Ingredients for Tarta de Fresas

The Spanish Tarta de Fresas, or Strawberry Cake, is a delightful dessert that combines the fresh, natural flavors of strawberries with a fluffy, light cake base. To get started, you'll need a few simple ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• Fresh strawberries (sliced) for garnish

These ingredients create a balanced cake that is not too sweet, letting the strawberries shine as the star of the show. You can find all the ingredients you need at local grocery stores, or check out our recommendations at Rubi Spanish Table for high-quality Spanish ingredients.

2- Preparing the Cake Batter

The preparation of the batter for Tarta de Fresas is straightforward and involves classic cake-making steps. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract for flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

At this point, your cake batter should be light, airy, and slightly thick. The texture will help it rise beautifully in the oven.

3- Baking the Strawberry Cake

Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake. Here's how to do it:

1. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cake should have a golden-brown color on top and a soft, tender texture inside. It will be the perfect base for the fresh strawberries.

4- Assembling the Tarta de Fresas

After the cake has cooled, it’s time to assemble the Tarta de Fresas. This step is where the magic happens, bringing all the elements of the cake together:

1. Slice the cake into two even layers horizontally.
2. Spread a layer of whipped cream or frosting (you can opt for a simple whipped cream mixture made from heavy cream and a little sugar).
3. Top the whipped cream with sliced strawberries, arranging them neatly for an appealing look.
4. Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process with the whipped cream and strawberries.

For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of strawberry syrup or jam between the layers to enhance the strawberry flavor.

5- Serving and Storing Tips

Once your Tarta de Fresas is assembled, you’ll want to serve it at its best:

• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve the cake cold or at room temperature, topped with extra fresh strawberries for decoration.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours to enjoy the strawberries at their peak.

The Tarta de Fresas makes an excellent dessert for gatherings, family meals, or special occasions. If you’re looking for high-quality ingredients and kitchenware to help you create the perfect Tarta de Fresas, visit Rubi Spanish Table for the best options available.