Summer Strawberry Cake

(courtesy Giada on Food Network) 

I just got back from our local farm market with a beautiful basket of fresh picked strawberries!  In addition to being picture perfect, they are oh so sweet!  I found this recipe for a not too sweet cake that features fresh strawberries.  Giada's recipes rarely disappoint, if ever!  Topped with honey whipped cream, this cake is a "keeper" recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

·         Nonstick cooking spray

·         2 eggs, at room temperature

·         1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

·         1/2 cup reduced-fat Greek yogurt

·         1/4 cup melted butter, cooled slightly

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

·         1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

·         1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

·         1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

·         1 pound strawberries, hulled, half sliced and half halved

·         Honey whipped cream, for serving (see Cook's Note)

Special equipment:

a 9-inch springform pan

DIRECTIONS:

1.     Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray; line the bottom with parchment paper.

2.    Combine the eggs and 1 cup of the sugar in a medium bowl and beat on high speed with a handheld mixer until thick, pale and doubled in size, about 4 minutes. Add the yogurt, melted butter and vanilla; beat for another minute. Add the flour, baking powder and salt; mix until just combined, 30 seconds. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the sliced berries on top. Pour the remaining batter over the berries; spread evenly once again. Top decoratively with the strawberry halves and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

3.    Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with honey whipped cream.

Cook’s Note

To make honey whipped cream, beat 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks, then beat in honey to taste (about 2 tablespoons).