Strawberry Cake

Right so this one's a bit of a seasonal thing actually.

Not because we can't make it all year. We can. But because strawberries have opinions about when they want to taste good. You know what I mean. Those pale ones in December that look like strawberries but taste of absolutely nothing? Yeah not putting those in a cake. What's the point.

So when strawberries are good? We go mad for them.

June July August. That's the sweet spot. English strawberries. The ones that smell amazing as soon as you open the punnet. The ones that actually taste like something. That's when this cake really shines.

Here's how it works.

Vanilla sponge first. Nice and light. Not too thick. Real vanilla because fake stuff would be a crime against the strawberries. Then we soak it. Just a little bit. With strawberry juice if we've got it or a tiny bit of syrup. Keeps everything moist.

Then the buttercream. Now this bit's important. It's vanilla buttercream but with strawberry puree mixed through. Not flavouring. Actual strawberries blitzed up and folded in. So it's slightly pink. Slightly fruity. Tastes like real strawberries because it is real strawberries.

Between the layers we put fresh strawberries.

Chopped up. Not whole because that would be impossible to cut through. Little chunks of actual strawberry so every slice gets some. Then more buttercream. Then more sponge. Then more strawberries. You get the idea.

On top we go pretty.

Smooth strawberry buttercream all over. Then fresh strawberry halves or slices arranged nicely. Sometimes a whole strawberry in the middle if it's a good one. Maybe a sprinkle of freeze dried strawberry bits for colour and crunch.

Who's buying this one?

• Summer birthday people obviously.

• Wimbledon time? Goes mad. People having strawberries and cream parties and wanting cake to match.

• Anniversaries. Something about strawberries says romance apparently.

• Mums for Mother's Day.

• Honestly anyone who wants something light and fruity instead of heavy chocolate.

If you're in Bromley you can order online and come grab it whenever. Or if you want it delivered local just drop us a message. Try and give me a couple days notice especially in summer because I go through strawberries like crazy and need to make sure I've got good ones.

One thing I should mention. The fresh strawberries on top won't last forever. Like a day maybe two then they start going soft. Still fine to eat just not as pretty. If you're not eating it straight away let me know and I'll do something different on top. Freeze dried bits or strawberry pieces that last longer.

Also if you want it completely dairy free or vegan? Can do that actually. Just needs notice because it's a different recipe. Works really well with strawberries surprisingly.

Right. That's the strawberry one done.

Proper summer cake. Tastes like sunshine sort of.