Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Strawberry Walnut Oaxacan Celebration Cake?
It is a moist and flavorful cake layered with coffee chantilly cream, fresh strawberries, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for special occasions like weddings and parties.
How many servings does this cake recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories, 28g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350"F (180"C) with the rack positioned in the middle.
What size pan is recommended for this cake?
An 8-inch (20-cm) springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the cake pan for baking?
Butter the springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of measured unbleached all-purpose flour.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 2 minutes.
At what temperature should the eggs be?
The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate properly into the batter.
How should I add the flour and milk to the mixture?
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in alternating batches with the milk and vanilla, starting and ending with the flour.
What is the baking time for the cake?
Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool before removing it from the pan?
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before unmolding it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
What ingredients are in the coffee chantilly cream?
The cream consists of 35-percent whipping cream, powdered sugar, strong brewed espresso coffee, and vanilla extract.
What consistency should the chantilly cream have?
The mixture should be whipped until soft peaks form.
How should I prepare the strawberries for the filling?
Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and scraped vanilla bean seeds and let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices.
How do I assemble the cake layers?
Slice the cooled cake into two layers. Spread half the cream, strawberries, and walnuts on the bottom layer, then top with the second cake layer and repeat.
What kind of coffee is best for the cream?
Strong brewed espresso coffee that has been cooled is best for flavoring the chantilly cream.
Can I use any type of milk?
The recipe suggests using either whole milk or 2% milk.
How many walnuts are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped toasted walnuts, plus extra whole halves for garnish.
What type of vanilla is used for the strawberries?
The strawberries are flavored with the seeds scraped from one whole vanilla bean.
What type of cream is required for the topping?
You should use cold 35-percent whipping cream for the best results when making the chantilly.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter.
How do I finish the top of the cake?
Garnish the top layer with the remaining chantilly cream, sugared strawberries, chopped walnuts, and additional whole strawberries and walnut halves.
Does the recipe use baking soda or baking powder?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
What is the primary flavor profile of this cake?
The flavor profile is a combination of sweet strawberries, earthy toasted walnuts, and a sophisticated coffee-infused cream.
How many grams of fat are in one serving?
There are 28 grams of fat per serving.
Can this cake be served at a wedding?
Yes, its sophisticated appearance and layered flavors make it an excellent choice for wedding celebrations.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is vanilla extract used in both the cake and the cream?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the cake batter and another teaspoon is used for the chantilly cream.
What makes this cake 'Oaxacan' style?
While the recipe description highlights the name, the combination of coffee, walnuts, and fresh fruit often reflects traditional celebration flavors in Oaxacan-inspired desserts.