Friday, July 2, 2010

Swedish Strawberry Cream Cake


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This lovely sponge cake is popular throughout Scandinavia. I learned to make the Swedish version of the cake , called JordgubbbstÄrta, the summer of my twelfth birthday. Traditionally, this cake was made for special occasions such as birthdays or national holidays. In summer months the cake was filled with heavy cream and fresh berries. Winter versions were, of course, filled with fruit preserves. While it is simple to make, the cake requires a lot of beating and I suspect that's why it was so seldom made. Although electric mixers became available to homemakers in the early 1930's, they were expensive and few families could afford them. All that changed in 1952 when Sunbeam began to market an affordable hand held electric mixer. That, coincidentally, is the year I first made this cake. Independence Day was a communal holiday in our neighborhood and Mrs. P was responsible for the desserts. She decided to substitute the usual shortcake with her lovely Swedish sponge. She had already made one cake when she asked if I would like to make the second. I was thrilled to pieces and under her watchful eye began to make the second. Now, there is a Tom Sawyer aspect to this tale. I suspect I was given the task because it took so long, even with the electric mixer, to beat the eggs. With her hands free, Mrs. P went on to mix a batch of brownies and the dough for oatmeal cookies, while I carefully held the mixer and watched and waited for the eggs to thicken. They eventually did and the tale ends well. My cake was a triumph. To prevent unnecessary worry, you should know that the cake layers will not dome as they bake. I've also found that the cake is vastly improved if the layers are lightly brushed with orange liqueur or dark rum. The berries I used were super-ripe and packed with flavor, but they tinted the cream pink. If you want a cake with a pure white visage use less ripe berries. The cake will hold nicely for a day or two, but it really wilts as day three approaches. This is a lovely dessert, and if you're looking for a strawberry dessert to replace shortcake, you might want to give this a try. Here's the recipe.

Swedish Strawberry and Cream Cake - JordgubbstÄrta...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:

1 cup (4 to 5 large) eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Orange liqueur or rum for brushing cake layers
Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 quart hulled strawberries, sliced

Directions:

1) Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottom of pans with wax or parchment paper. Grease paper and flour pans. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Place eggs in bowl of an electric stand mixer. Beat until frothy. With mixer at high speed, slowly add granulated sugar and beat until mixture is very, very thick and pale. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
3) Sift flour and baking powder into another bowl or onto wax paper. With mixer set to low speed, slowly add flour to egg mixture, beating just until blended.
4) Spread batter into pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake bounces back when touched. Do not over bake. Remove cake layers from oven and cool.
5) To prepare filling, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla and continue beating until cream is stiff. Refrigerate. Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:

Toscatarta - One Perfect Bite
Linzer Cookies - One Perfect Bite
Swedish Visiting Cake - Sticky Gooey Creamy Chewy
Swedish Princess Cake -Foodaholics
Swedish Meringue Cake - Epicurious

76 comments :

Adventures in Domestic Cooking said...

This cake looks marvelous!
Thanks for sharing the story as well, super cool!

Lyndas recipe box said...

This is a lovely strawberry cake Mary, and I enjoyed hearing about your first time making it.
Have a wonderful week!

theUngourmet said...

Beautiful! I just made a cake like this a couple of days ago. I'd love to try your recipe next time! :)

Annesphamily said...

Your cake tale was delightful but this cake looks like a real dream! Yummy! Happy 4th! Anne

Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...

Can never have enough strawberries...this looks so good.

Carmen

Unknown said...

The cake looks amazing Mary. I don't have an electric mixer so I think I will pass for now. Mixing by hand is hard work, so I'm not surprised it wasn't made very often before electric mixers came out.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

This cake reminds me of the lovely bakeries I have visited in Scotland. A long way from Sweden, but some similarities.

Unknown said...

Your cake looks delicious! I love anything with strawberries in it!

Joy said...

That looks lovely. I like your filling recipe.

CinnamonChoc said...

i wish i could be a good cook just like you :)

RamblingTart said...

I love your stories so much, Mary. :-) Although I've never met you, you "feel" like such a kindred spirit. :-) Love this cake!!! Even if I'd wear my arm out beating and beating. :-)

PS - Yes! I did re-do my blog. :-) So glad you like it!

Adelina said...

Can a cake like this NOT be a triumph? And strawberries are just in season! I wonder if adding a few blueberries here and there would spoil the show....just for the July 4th festive look?

sara said...

What a lovely story; very enjoyable reading! And, this looks delicious. Thanks and have a fantastic weekend!

Jeannie said...

This cake looks gorgeous! I so love strawberries on cakes.

Katerina said...

Mixers just like all kitchen appliances make cooking and baking very easy. Sometimes I am thinking of all the generations of women who had to do the same things with less tools available to them. This cake looks awesome.

Unknown said...

what a lovely recipe and story. I'd have a slice anytime of the day. Have a great weekend Mary. Michael.

Priya Suresh said...

Excellent looking cake, feel like having some spoons rite now...beautiful story as well..

Deb in Hawaii said...

This cake is lovely--the perfect showcase for beautiful fresh berries. Can you mail me a slice?! ;-)

Ana Powell said...

A very powerful slice of strawberry cream cake is teasing me.
Awesome click, delicious recipe ♥

toni_n said...

Great recipe!

Greeting and smiling day :)

Diane said...

This looks really yummy, but I think I will swop the strawberries for cherries. They agree with me, where strawberries sadly don't. Diane

Big Dude said...

Your past two strawberry treats have looked incredible

Sweet Southern Prep said...

I'm going to have to try making this one soon. My dad's favorite is Strawberry Shortcake, so I'm sure he'd be willing to try this too! :) YUM!

Rita said...

Fabulous creation! I can almost taste it! It looks so light,
Rita

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a fabulous cake Mary. Happy 4th of July. Hope you have a great holiday.
Sam

Martha said...

Mary -- another winner as usual! This does look really good! Reminds me a bit of Ina's country strawberry cake.

Cherine said...

Gorgeous!! this cake is simply mouthwatering!!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

No wonder your desserts are always stunning. You have been baking since you were 12 with a few short years to create perfection like this strawberry cream cake.

Malar Gandhi said...

Cake looks moist and perfect.

Rachana said...

The Cake looks gorgeous! I love strawberries :-)

Thanks for sharing the story as well!

Have a lovely weekend, dear Mary :-)

Joyce said...

Thanks for sharing this and commenting on the recipe. I will definitely make this when I get home from vacation for the Atlanta blog gals when we get together in August.
Joyce

Sarah @ Mum In Bloom said...

I always learn so much from reading your posts. The cake is beautiful and my daughter would be so pleased to make this.. her brother's birthday is fast approaching & this would be a great gift from her. Again, it looks so beautiful and delicious!

Cathy said...

What a wonderful way to use some of the luscious berries in the market right now.

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

Mary, Immediate bookmarked this recipe, this cake look so good. Have a nice weekened ahead.

Umm Mymoonah said...

I'm drooling over by the look of this cake and that was very good history about electric mixers.
Have a nice weekend:-)

CaSaundraLeigh said...

I don't think I've tried any Swedish desserts ever. But anything with strawberries and cake is a plus in my book! I could put my good ol' stand mixer to use with this recipe!

Unknown said...

I love the story of your first time making this cake. Thanks for sharing that! And speaking of the cake.. oh my does that look delicious. I know it's only 6:30 in the morning, but I want a piece of it right now!! I mean strawberries are good for breakfast, right :)

Salsa Verde said...

Hi Mary,
This cake look so delicious and gorgeous. I never baked a cake like that. It look so profissional!!
Love,
Lia.

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

What a fantastic looking cake but then how can you go wrong with strawberries and cream? I wish I had a piece right now with my cup of morning coffee, I bet they would make a lovely combo!

FoodontheTable said...

This looks so beautiful - especially for July 4!

Unknown said...

We are big strawberry fans in our family so I had to come back and see what you made with your strawberries!
I love the cake and the frozen soufflé, a couple of great recipes and stories you've shared here, thanks Mary!
Happy 4th of July:-)

Unknown said...

Great looking cake, again I wish I could live with you for just one week@

Carla and Michael said...

That is definately worth a try with all kinds of various fillings. It looks so light and fluffy.
Thanks.

Cooking Creation said...

I am drooling on my keyboard right now and trying not to lick the screen. Looks great!

Sushma Mallya said...

What a beautiful cake, really loved it mary, very nicely done...& have a wonderful weekend..

PranisKitchen said...

beautiful delicious and yummy cake mary.. feel to have some.. have a perfect bite...nice pic too
Have a great weekend

flying eagle woman said...

i love this place - thanks for sharing the recipe and the story! i may never make it but i feel better having just read it:-)
Shawna

Joanne said...

I always had a cake like this for my birthday but the bakery we bought it from called it a strawberry shortcake. Perfect for a lovely summer dessert.

Deana Sidney said...

Wonderful cake and story. I just made a cake much like yours and the standing mixer was on for 10 minutes before the thick lemon foam happened. Delish cake... would be fun to put it together!!!

♥ Kathy said...

You make me wish I could eat berries! It looks so good!

Angie's Recipes said...

Mary, have you an extra unused room in your house that you consider renting out? :-)
The strawberry cake looks simply elegant and summery!

The Blonde Duck said...

I can't make a layered cake to save my life.

Simply Life said...

oh wow, that cake looks amazing!

scrambledhenfruit said...

I love your recipes, Mary, but I enjoy your stories as well! This strawberry cake is lovely, though I'm glad I have a mixer to make it in. (It would probably do wonders for my arm muscles to make one by hand!) Thanks for sharing these wonderful strawberry recipes-
Betty

Amelia Morris said...

thank you for the nice comment! this cake looks PERFECT for summer. I can totally see attempting it!

Devaki said...

What a great story Mary! And the cake looks marvelous.

The cream and strawberries with it is perfect for the summer.

I also want to give your strawberry souffle a go soon :)

Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

The Words Crafter said...

This is going in my recipe box with stars and squiggles all over it (to show importance). My husband adores strawberries and this looks easy enough to make. Thanks so much! Have a fantastic fourth!

Jen_from_NJ said...

I enjoyed your story and the cake looks spectacular. I will be sharing this recipe with my daughter. She is the baker in the house. Thanks Mary!

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Hi Mary,
questo dolce Ăš proprio una golositĂ  !!
Buona giornata :-))

Claudia said...

The first time you make a new recipe always seems to come with the best story. The cake is as scrumptious as the story is! Even the better for it. Happy Fourth of July.... soon!

Cinara said...

Hello, Mary! Thanks for your visit and comment on my blog, Cinara's Place! I've just spent wonderful moments reading your recipes and enjoying your beautiful pictures... Congratulations on your amazing blog! Here in Brazil (at least in the southeast, where I live) it is also strawberry season. So I'll be checking all of your strawberry recipes!
Have a wonderful weekend!

The Red Umbrella said...

This looks like heaven to me!

rosasdolcevita said...

What a lovely cake with a wonderful story behind it. :-)

I love the not-so-complicated list of ingredients. I bookmarked to make soon - that is, this weekend! My little guy will love it! Thanks for sharing.

xinex said...

Oh Mary, this really looks so good. I love strawberries!..Christine

A Canadian Foodie said...

Mary!!! This, and then the yogurt... and the relish... and on and on. I will take more time to read more... but I have been so busy and I hate missing your posts. Each is so enjoyable to read and such a work of art... and yummy recipes, too. It is June (or was) - and I teach full time. What more can I say (get a subscribe by e-mail [plug in??)
XO
valerie

Marly said...

This cake looks delicious! I love strawberries.

PeggyR said...

This is another yummy treat! I love the story as well...

Suzy said...

This looks positively wonderful and screams summer to me.

Allie and Pattie said...

Lovely! I often make a sponge with strawberries and cream simply because it's my mother's preferance- I had no idea there was a name for it. happy 4th Mary!
xoxo Pattie

Le said...

Lovely looking cake Mary! I loved the story along with it too :)

Vegetarian Yogini said...

made it today , July 4th, used blueberries as well- came out so yummy! Thanks Mary!

AllThingsYummy said...

I made this cake yesterday for a bbq and it was a huge hit. thanks for the recipe.

The Glamorous Gourmet said...

I found your blog through All Things Yummy & just signed up to follow you! That cake looks delicious! Please stop by and visit me at www.stephaniesavorsthemoment.com. I look forward to your next post - Cheers!

pastry studio said...

Really beautiful cake! Sponge is perfect for strawberries and cream.

Megan @ Foodalution said...

I absolutely adore cream cake! Delicious and my favorite!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this recipe it looks so yummy I would make this for my moms birthday.

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