Sponge Strawberry Cake is a very popular dessert in many Latin American countries, known for its light texture and fresh, sweet flavor. This cake has its origins in traditional recipes for tarts with gelatin and cream, which have been adapted over time to include fresh strawberries and a soft filling that solidifies thanks to the gelatin. In Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, it is usually simply called "strawberry cake," while in other countries like Argentina or Chile, it might be found under the name "frutilla tart" or "strawberry torte," reflecting the diversity of vocabulary in the region.
The use of gelatin with puree or pieces of strawberries inside a baked tart base makes this dessert much lighter than a traditional cake with heavy cream. The combination of vanilla pudding with the gelatin and strawberries gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a balanced sweetness that delights both adults and children. Thus, this cake is not only delicious but also very eye-catching, ideal for celebrations or simply to enjoy on a special afternoon.
How to Prepare Sponge Strawberry Cake
To begin, completely dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, making sure there are no lumps. Then, add ice cubes and stir until the mixture has cooled and the gelatin begins to dissolve completely.
In another bowl, prepare the tart filling mixture with 3/4 cup of milk following the instructions on the package of instant vanilla pudding, beating for approximately 2 minutes to achieve the proper consistency.
Incorporate the now lukewarm gelatin into the pudding mixture and stir gently until fully combined. If necessary, refrigerate the mixture until it thickens a bit and is easier to handle.
Then, gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping along with the strawberries cut into small pieces, being careful not to deflate the air incorporated into the cream to maintain the fluffiness.
Pour this preparation onto the pre-made 9-inch baked tart base, gently smoothing the surface.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours so the filling sets and the flavors meld properly.
Finally, decorate with the remaining whipped topping and additional strawberries to taste, giving it a fresh and attractive touch before serving.
