How to Make a Classic Swedish Midsummer Cake with Strawberries

How to Make a Classic Swedish Midsummer Cake with Strawberries

Swedish Midsummer is a celebration of the summer solstice, marked by long daylight hours, beautiful flowers, and delicious food. One of the highlights of this festive occasion is the iconic Swedish Midsummer cake, known for its light and fresh flavors. A classic Midsummer cake is typically layered with whipped cream, sponge cake, and fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and elegant presentation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic Swedish Midsummer cake with strawberries:

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling and topping:

• 2 cups (500ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
• Additional strawberries for decoration

Equipment Needed:

• 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

To begin making the Swedish Midsummer cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour, or use parchment paper to line the bottom for easy removal later.

Make the cake batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. This will take about 5-7 minutes if you are using an electric mixer.
• Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or whisk.
• Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the mixture and fold gently until fully combined.

Bake the cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before assembling.

2. Prepare the Whipped Cream

While the cake is cooling, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken. Once the cream starts to hold soft peaks, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the cream forms stiff peaks, but be careful not to overwhip.

3. Slice the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, use a serrated knife to slice it into two or three even layers. If the cake has domed slightly while baking, you can trim the top layer to create a flat surface.

4. Assemble the Cake

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the Swedish Midsummer cake.

Layer the cake:

• Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the surface, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Place a handful of sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream layer, evenly distributing them.
• If you have multiple layers, repeat the process with the second and third layers of cake, whipped cream, and strawberries.

5. Decorate the Cake

Once the cake is fully assembled, use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top and sides of the cake. You can spread the cream as smoothly or as textured as you like. Then, top the cake with the remaining sliced strawberries, arranging them in a beautiful pattern. For an added touch, garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green color and a hint of freshness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

The Swedish Midsummer cake is best enjoyed the same day it is made, as the whipped cream and fresh strawberries are at their peak. However, you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 1-2 days. Serve the cake chilled, and enjoy this light and delicious dessert with friends and family.

Tips for the Perfect Swedish Midsummer Cake

1. Fresh Ingredients: The key to this cake’s flavor is the fresh, seasonal ingredients. Use the ripest strawberries you can find for the best taste. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries.

2. Whipped Cream Consistency: Be sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping. Overwhipped cream can become grainy or turn into butter.

3. Cake Texture: If you prefer a more sponge-like texture, you can add a tablespoon of milk to the batter, but it’s not necessary if you prefer the cake to be more firm. The key is not to overmix the batter to keep it light and airy.

4. Decorating the Cake: Be creative with your decoration. While strawberries are traditional, you can also add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even edible flowers for a colorful, festive look.

5. Make Ahead Option: While this cake is best served fresh, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Whip the cream and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it to ensure it remains fresh.

Conclusion

A classic Swedish Midsummer cake is a light, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any summer celebration. The combination of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries captures the essence of Swedish Midsummer: simplicity, beauty, and joy. Whether you’re celebrating the solstice or just enjoying a summer afternoon, this cake will surely impress your guests with its delightful flavors and stunning appearance. Happy baking!