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Japanese Strawberry Shortcake | Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 141 reviews

This Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, also known as Japanese Christmas Cake, is a light and fluffy sponge cake layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The delicate balance of airy meringue-based cake and the sweet, creamy filling makes it a festive and elegant dessert perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 8 oz strawberries (washed and dried)
  • ½ cup cake flour (65g, sifted)
  • ¼ cup white sugar (44g, for egg yolks)
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons white sugar (37g, for egg whites)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt (½ g)
  • 3 large eggs (whites and yolks separated)
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons avocado oil (31g, substitute with neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1 Tablespoon water (12g)
  • 1 teaspoon corn syrup (6g, substitute with honey)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Whipped Cream and Syrup

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (should be cold)
  • 6 to 8 Tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar
  • ⅓ cup hot water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, ¼ cup sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla, and water. Beat on high using a stand or hand mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy, pale yellow, and ribbons form when lifting the whisk.
  2. Make Egg White Meringue: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites on high until they start to foam. Gradually add the 2½ tablespoons sugar in three increments, beating after each addition. Continue beating until firm peaks form where the meringue holds its shape with a slight droop at the tip.
  3. Combine Batter: Gently fold half of the egg white meringue into the egg yolk mixture to lighten it. Then sift the cake flour and baking powder into the mixture in three parts, folding after each addition to maintain airiness.
  4. Add Oil and Remaining Meringue: Remove 2 tablespoons of batter and mix with the avocado oil until fully combined. Fold this oil mixture back into the batter gently. Then fold in the remaining half of the egg white meringue, keeping the batter light and airy.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a round cake pan (either one 8-inch or two 6-inch pans) lined with parchment paper. Tap the pan twice on a flat surface to release large air bubbles. Bake at 350°F; about 15 minutes for two 6-inch pans or 23–25 minutes for one 8-inch pan, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake(s) from the oven, let cool in the pan for a few minutes, remove the parchment paper, and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar on medium speed until medium peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid graininess.
  8. Slice Cake Layers: Slice the cake into even layers. Prepare sugar syrup by dissolving 3 tablespoons sugar in ⅓ cup hot water. Brush the syrup evenly on all layers, including the top layer, to keep the cake moist.
  9. Assemble and Decorate: Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom cake layer, add sliced strawberries, then spread another layer of cream before adding the next cake layer. Repeat layering as needed. Frost the top and sides with whipped cream, decorate with whole strawberries, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for best freshness and taste.

Notes

  • Make sure all eggs are at room temperature for better volume when whipping.
  • Whipped cream should be cold to achieve the perfect medium peaks; chilling your bowl and whisk helps.
  • When slicing the cake layers, use a serrated knife and slice gently with a sawing motion to maintain even layers.
  • You can substitute avocado oil with any neutral-flavored vegetable oil to keep the taste subtle.
  • The corn syrup helps retain moisture in the cake and adds a slight shine; honey is a good alternative.

Keywords: Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, Japanese Christmas Cake, strawberry cake, sponge cake, whipped cream cake, festive dessert, Japanese dessert

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/japanese-strawberry-shortcake-japanese-christmas-cake-recipe/