I struggle to think of a more nostalgic and comforting combination than strawberries and cream. Even hearing them together invokes the warmest memories of late summer in the garden, family and friends with great food. This almond-based, strawberry-filled cake is covered with lashings of vanilla bean whipped cream, spiked with Greek yogurt for tang and honey for gentle sweetness. To finish, swirl on some strawberry purée, fresh sliced strawberries and a tangle of wild flowers here and there.
X Jordan
For the cake
400g / 14oz fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and halved
200g (13⁄4 sticks) butter, softened
200g (7.1oz) caster sugar + 2 tbsp extra for the coulis
4 free-range eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g (7.1oz) almond flour
50g (1.8oz) plain or spelt flour
Pinch sea salt
Zest and juice of one lemon
For the cream
1 cup fresh double cream
1 tbsp full-fat unsweetened Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the decorations:
2 tbsp strawberry purée
4 fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered
fresh flowers, optional