When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing dessert to cap off a meal or to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. The Summer Strawberry and Lemon Cake Jars are the epitome of such a treat. This dessert, layered beautifully in individual jars, combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the zesty freshness of lemon, and the soft, comforting texture of vanilla sponge cake. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply indulging in a quiet moment of self-pampering, these jars of goodness are sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Equipment
To create these delightful summer desserts, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and equipment:
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake:
- 250 grams of self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 220 grams of caster sugar
- 120 grams of dairy-free butter
- 145 milliliters of dairy-free milk
- 1 vegan egg (I used @crackd_it egg replacer, but flax egg or aquafaba can also be used!)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Lemon Cream:
- 250 milliliters of dairy-free double cream
- 3 tablespoons of icing sugar
- Juice from half a lemon
- Zest from one lemon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 punnet of fresh strawberries
Equipment:
- A square baking tin
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk
- A saucepan
- A skewer
- Jars or glasses for serving
Method
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a square baking tin with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking and to ensure an easy release once baked.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 250 grams of self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 220 grams of caster sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This will help ensure an even rise and texture in your sponge cake.
3. Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a saucepan over low heat, combine 120 grams of dairy-free butter with 145 milliliters of dairy-free milk. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial as it ensures that the butter and milk are well integrated, creating a cohesive batter.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the melted butter and milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined, being careful not to overmix. Add 1 vegan egg replacement and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
5. Bake the Sponge Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. If not, give it a few more minutes and test again.
6. Cool and Cut the Cake
Allow the baked sponge cake to cool completely in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice the cake into small, bite-sized cubes. These cubes will form the layers in your jars.
7. Prepare the Lemon Cream
While the cake is cooling, prepare the lemon cream. Pour 250 milliliters of dairy-free double cream into a large bowl. Whisk the cream until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of icing sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue whisking until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the cream is smooth.
8. Assemble the Cake Jars
To assemble your Summer Strawberry and Lemon Cake Jars, start by chopping the fresh strawberries into small pieces. Place a layer of these strawberry pieces at the bottom of each jar. Next, scoop or pipe a generous layer of lemon cream on top of the strawberries. Add a few cubes of vanilla sponge cake on top of the cream, then add another layer of lemon cream. For added decoration, you can top the jars with extra strawberry pieces and a slice of lemon if desired.
Serving and Storage
These jars of summer delight can be refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them. They are perfect for a make-ahead dessert, allowing the flavors to meld together and the textures to develop. Serve them chilled for the best experience, and enjoy a refreshing and satisfying treat that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful.
With their vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, these Summer Strawberry and Lemon Cake Jars are not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. They offer a delightful combination of tart lemon, sweet strawberries, and soft vanilla sponge, making them a standout addition to any summer meal or gathering. Enjoy making and indulging in this seasonal favorite!
