Classic Finnish Strawberry Cake (Mansikkakakku) Recipe
Celebrate Midsummer with this rustic Finnish strawberry layer cake featuring fluffy sponge, fresh cream, and juicy strawberries.
This rustic Finnish strawberry cake is a Midsummer classic – simple, summery, and made with love. It features three layers of soft sponge, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries. For an optional twist, a strawberry sugar syrup can be brushed over the sponge to add extra moisture and flavour.
Classic Finnish Strawberry Cake (Mansikkakakku) Recipe
Ingredients
- For the sponge:
- 4 large eggs
- 120g caster sugar
- 120g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- For the strawberry sugar syrup (optional):
- 50g fresh strawberries, sliced
- 50g granulated sugar
- 50g water
- For the filling and topping:
- 300ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300g fresh strawberries, hulled
- Extra strawberries, halved or sliced, for the top
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar with an electric mixer for 5–7 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy.
- 3
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- 4
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- 5
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 6
(Optional) Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Strain and allow to cool.
- 7
Whip the double cream with the icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- 8
Slice the sponge into 3 even layers. If using the syrup, brush each cut side of the sponge with a little of the cooled syrup before assembling.
- 9
Spread whipped cream over the first layer and scatter with chopped strawberries. Repeat with the second layer.
- 10
Place the final sponge layer on top. Pipe or spoon a round border of whipped cream on top and fill the centre with cut strawberries.
- 11
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavours meld beautifully.
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