As the sun-filled days of summer roll in, there’s a delightful craving for desserts that capture the season’s freshest flavors. Enter the Strawberry Frangipane Cake—a gorgeous creation that marries the nutty richness of almond frangipane with luscious, ripe strawberries. I discovered this gem while rummaging through my pantry, and it transformed a simple afternoon into a celebration of taste and texture.
This cake is not only visually stunning, but it also delivers on flavor and ease. Trust me; the moment you cut into that tender pastry crust, revealing the creamy almond filling topped with glistening strawberries, you’ll feel like a pastry chef! Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just treating yourself to a mid-week indulgence, this Strawberry Frangipane Cake will impress. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the elegance of a classic French dessert right at home—without spending hours in the kitchen! Let’s dive into the recipe that brings a touch of sophistication and a burst of summer to your table.
Why is Strawberry Frangipane Cake so irresistible?
Simplicity: This recipe only requires basic ingredients and techniques, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
Flavor Fusion: The delightful blend of almond frangipane and fresh strawberries creates a symphony of taste that’s both rich and refreshing.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the strawberries against a golden-brown cake create a showstopper dessert perfect for gatherings.
Versatile Options: Whether you opt for mini cakes or a larger version, this recipe adapts to your occasion beautifully.
Quick Preparation: With minimal cooling time, you can whip up this elegant cake in less than an hour, making it a perfect choice for spontaneous celebrations!
Strawberry Frangipane Cake Ingredients
For the Pastry
- Pastry Flour – This forms the base and provides structure; all-purpose flour can be used if necessary.
- Butter – Adds delectable richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Sugar – Sweetens the pastry and enhances the frangipane; adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Egg – Binds the pastry together; use half an egg for the pastry mixture.
- Baking Powder – Helps the pastry rise beautifully; always use fresh for optimal results.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
For the Frangipane Filling
- Blanched Almonds – The star ingredient for frangipane, imparting a nutty taste and creamy texture; almond flour can be used for convenience.
- Almond Extract – Amplifies the almond flavor; for a different twist, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute.
- Lemon Zest – Brightens the filling, ensuring a flavor balance; don’t skip this step!
- Sugar – Sweetens the frangipane; adjust depending on your taste preferences.
- Butter – Adds richness to the frangipane; again, room temperature is key for mixing smoothly.
- Egg – Enriches the frangipane and contributes to its airy texture; one full egg is needed for this mixture.
For the Topping
- Strawberries – Fresh and ripe strawberries are ideal; you can also cook them to create a delightful jam.
- Icing Sugar – Dust over the cake before serving to enhance its presentation.
This Strawberry Frangipane Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience packed with delightful flavors and textures to whisk you away to a sun-soaked summer!
How to Make Strawberry Frangipane Cake
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Prepare the Dough: Begin by combining the pastry flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Add in the butter and half of the beaten egg, processing until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
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Mold and Chill: Grease your pie pans and divide the dough into portions. Line each pan with the dough, ensuring about 1 cm depth for the filling. Refrigerate for roughly 30 minutes to firm up.
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Make the Frangipane: In the food processor, blend the blanched almonds, sugar, and lemon zest until finely ground. Next, mix in butter, one egg, and the remaining half egg until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the frangipane filling into the lined pastry base. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling has set.
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Prepare Jam (if making): While the cake bakes, cook the strawberries with sugar in a saucepan until they bubble and thicken. Strain the mixture to remove seeds and let cool.
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Finish & Serve: Once your cakes have cooled, top with strawberry jam and garnish with fresh strawberries. Dust lightly with icing sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Frangipane Cake
Fridge: Store leftover Strawberry Frangipane Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in cling film and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, or for a crisp finish, pop them in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestion: Enhance the taste by serving with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of whipped cream when ready to indulge!
What to Serve with Strawberry Frangipane Cake?
As you prepare to delight in every bite of this heartwarming dessert, imagine the perfect accompaniments that will elevate your dining experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess, balancing the sweetness of the cake beautifully. It makes every forkful feel indulgent.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm cake, enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful texture.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a burst of color and an extra layer of fruity goodness that complements the cake exquisitely.
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Almond Cookies: Serve alongside delicate almond cookies to echo the nutty flavors in the frangipane, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cake.
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Mint Tea: Brewed mint tea refreshes the palate and adds a herbal note that pairs well with the sweetness of the dessert, rounding out the meal beautifully.
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Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For a richer experience, drizzle with a warm chocolate ganache. It transforms the cake into an elegant dessert while adding depth to the flavors.
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Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water infused with lemon or berries serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing the cake’s delightful fruitiness.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Frangipane Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pastry dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first two steps of the recipe and then keeping it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Additionally, the frangipane filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cakes, pour in the frangipane, and bake as directed. This thoughtful prep ensures your Strawberry Frangipane Cakes will be just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without the last-minute rush!
Strawberry Frangipane Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this captivating dessert!
- Berry Blend: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a tangy twist that’ll brighten your cake.
- Fruity Twist: Opt for peaches or apricots for a summery flavor difference that pairs beautifully with almond.
- Nutty Variation: Swap blanched almonds for hazelnuts in the frangipane for a rich, nutty flavor that’s absolutely delightful.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and a gluten-free baking mix for the pastry to enjoy this treat without gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil in both the pastry and frangipane for a tropical flair, making it dairy-free and delicious.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle homemade chocolate ganache over the cooled cake for an extravagant finish that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Citrus Zing: Add a splash of orange zest to the frangipane for a bright, citrusy note that complements the almond beautifully.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the frangipane for a warm, cozy flavor that elevates the dessert’s classic profile.
With these variations, you can embark on a deliciously delightful journey in your kitchen!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Frangipane Cake
- Berry Quality Matters: Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; slightly imperfect berries can be transformed into delicious jam for topping.
- Watch Egg Consistency: Ensure the frangipane mixture is smooth but not too runny by monitoring the egg quantity; this will greatly impact the final texture of your cake.
- Easy Removal: Use springform or detachable bottom pans to simplify removing the cake without damaging its delicate structure.
- Flavor Balancing: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the almond flavor, keeping the dessert fresh and vibrant.
- Chill Well: Allow the dough to chill adequately before baking; this prevents shrinkage and helps maintain its shape during the baking process.
Strawberry Frangipane Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries—they’ll yield the best flavor in your Strawberry Frangipane Cake. Look for berries that are bright red and fragrant, avoiding any with dark spots or signs of mold. If you have slightly imperfect berries, don’t toss them! They can be transformed into a delightful homemade jam to top your cake.
How should I store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftover Strawberry Frangipane Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can still be a treat for a couple of days after baking. If you prefer, wrap individual slices in cling film for easy snacking!
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your Strawberry Frangipane Cake, cut it into individual slices and wrap each piece in cling film. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
What do I do if my frangipane mixture is too runny?
If you find your frangipane mixture is too runny, it may be due to adding too much egg. To adjust, try blending in a little extra ground almond or almond flour until you reach a thick, creamy consistency. It’s important for the frangipane to hold its shape when baking, so ensure it’s not overly liquidy. If you’re re-making it, start with one egg and gradually add more if needed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Certainly! For a gluten-free version of the Strawberry Frangipane Cake, simply substitute the pastry flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Measure carefully, as gluten-free flour can vary in absorbency. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Are there potential allergy concerns?
Indeed! This recipe contains almonds and eggs, so it’s essential to be mindful of nut allergies. For those avoiding eggs, you can try using flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Be sure to inform your guests about the ingredients, especially if you’re serving it at gatherings.
Joyful Strawberry Frangipane Cake for Sweet Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dough: Combine pastry flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and half of the beaten egg, processing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Mold and Chill: Grease pie pans and divide the dough into portions. Line the pans with dough, ensuring about 1 cm depth for the filling. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the Frangipane: Blend blanched almonds, sugar, and lemon zest in the food processor until finely ground. Mix in butter, one egg, and half egg until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour frangipane filling into the lined pastry base. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Prepare Jam (if making): Cook strawberries with sugar in a saucepan until thickened. Strain to remove seeds and let cool.
- Finish & Serve: Once cooled, top with strawberry jam and garnish with fresh strawberries. Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving.