Strawberry Sweetheart

Strawberry Sweetheart Recipe - Indulge in Mouth-Watering Strawberry Flavors

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent and romantic dessert - the Strawberry Sweetheart. This rich and chocolatey cake is filled with a luscious strawberry filling and topped with sweet whipped cream. Perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.

History

The Strawberry Sweetheart cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a timeless favorite, and this recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional chocolate cake by adding a fruity and tangy strawberry filling.

Ingredients

2 packages (4 oz (113 g) each) of semisweet chocolate, broken into 1 inch pieces
0.75 cup of sugar
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
1.5 tbsp of water
1 tbsp of vanilla
5 eggs, separated
1 tbsp of cornstarch
1 package (10 oz (283 g)) of frozen sliced California strawberries (with sugar added), thawed
1.5 tsp of lemon juice
1.5 cup of whipping cream, whipped and sweetened

How to prepare

In a double boiler, combine chocolate, sugar, butter, water, and vanilla over simmering water. Heat until the chocolate and butter are melted. Stir to blend.
Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time.
In a mixer bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold them into the chocolate mixture to blend.
Pour the mixture into a greased and floured 9-inch heart-shaped (or 9-inch round) cake pan.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, loosen the edges and invert it onto a serving plate. The center will sink, forming an indentation for the filling.
Chill the cake.
Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry filling. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of strawberry juice and set it aside.
In a saucepan, bring the strawberries and the remaining juice to a boil over medium heat.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook gently, stirring, until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
Stir in the lemon juice and allow the filling to cool.
To assemble the dessert, spoon the cooled strawberry filling onto the top of the cake, leaving a 0.5-inch border.
Pipe whipped cream onto the sides of the cake to cover them.
Chill the dessert.
This recipe makes one 9-inch cake, serving 8 people.

Variations

Try using dark chocolate for a richer and more intense flavor.
Add a splash of Grand Marnier or rum to the strawberry filling for an extra kick.
Top the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to grease and flour your cake pan well to prevent the cake from sticking.

- When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the strawberry filling to prevent it from melting.

- Pipe the whipped cream onto the sides of the cake for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Sweetheart cake with a glass of champagne or a cup of coffee for a romantic and elegant dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate to prevent it from burning.

- Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture in the cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen for the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be baked and assembled ahead of time, but wait to add the whipped cream until just before serving to prevent it from deflating.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate curls for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Sweetheart cake with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Strawberry Sweetheart cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the Strawberry Sweetheart cake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of the Strawberry Sweetheart cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of the Strawberry Sweetheart cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin C from the strawberries and also provides some iron and calcium from the chocolate and cream.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

The Strawberry Sweetheart cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. However, it does provide some essential nutrients from the strawberries, chocolate, and cream.

Summary

The Strawberry Sweetheart cake is a romantic and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner for two. With its rich chocolate cake, tangy strawberry filling, and sweet whipped cream topping, this dessert is sure to impress your sweetheart. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Martha was known for her delicious homemade treats, and I always looked forward to our baking sessions together. On this particular day, Martha had a gleam in her eye as she pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box.

"Darling, I have something special to share with you today," Martha said with a twinkle in her eye. "This recipe for Strawberry Sweetheart has been in my family for generations, and I think you'll love it just as much as we do."

I was intrigued as Martha began to gather the ingredients for the recipe. Fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, butter, and a few other simple ingredients were all that was needed to create this delectable treat. As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, Martha shared the story behind the recipe.

"It all started with my great-grandmother, who was known for her incredible baking skills," Martha explained. "She used to make this Strawberry Sweetheart for special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. It became a family tradition, and now I'm passing it on to you."

With each step of the recipe, Martha shared tips and tricks that had been passed down through the generations. From how to properly hull strawberries to the importance of using room temperature butter, I soaked up every bit of knowledge like a sponge. As the scent of sweet strawberries and buttery crust filled the air, I knew this recipe was something truly special.

After the Strawberry Sweetheart had finished baking and cooling, Martha and I sat down to enjoy a slice together. The first bite was pure bliss – the sweet and tangy strawberries perfectly complemented the buttery, flaky crust. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, leaving me wanting more.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry Sweetheart became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for myself. Each time I baked it, I thought of Martha and the special bond we shared over our love of baking.

Over the years, I've added my own little twists to the recipe – a sprinkle of cinnamon here, a dollop of whipped cream there. But the heart and soul of the recipe remained the same, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and friendship.

As I write this, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. Martha may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every batch of Strawberry Sweetheart that I bake. It's a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a love of food and tradition with those we hold dear.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild. May you cherish it as I have, and may it bring you as much joy and happiness as it has brought me. Remember, the secret ingredient in any recipe is love – and that's something that can never be measured or duplicated. Happy baking, my sweet Strawberry Sweetheart.