CLASSIC CAKE

THE WORLD’S MOST HEAVENLY CAKE IS GOOEY UNDERNEATH WITH A SWEET, CRACKABLE CRUST ON TOP.

FRENCH STRAWBERRY DESSERT CAKE INGREDIENTS

125g butter, at room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

270g (1 1/4 cups) caster sugar

2 eggs

1/4 tsp salt

225g (1 1/2 cups) self-raising flour, plus 1 tbsp extra

170g (2/3 cup) sour cream

375g fresh strawberries, hulled

METHOD

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Grease and line base and side of a 23cm (base measurement) round springform pan with baking paper.

Step 2:

Use electric beaters to beat the butter, vanilla and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add salt and half the flour and beat until just combined. Add half the sour cream and beat until just combined. Repeat with remaining flour and sour cream. Step 3:

Halve 125g of the strawberries and set aside. Coarsely chop remaining strawberries. Toss chopped strawberries with extra flour to coat. Fold into the cake mixture until just combined. Spoon the mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the top with 1 ½ tablespoons of the remaining sugar. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a thin crust has formed on the top. Arrange halved strawberries, cut-side down, on the top of the cake, pressing slightly into the crust. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature.