Yields 7-inch cake

 

Vanilla Cake Layers
1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup (169 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups (175 grams) cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (240 ml) milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease 2 7-inch cake pans and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Gradually add in the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the milk, stirring until batter is uniform and smooth.

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing the cake and transferring the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.

 

Strawberry Mousse
1 cup fresh, chopped strawberries
1 large egg white
1/4 cup (60 grams) granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

In a blender or food processor, process strawberries until smooth.

In a large bowl, beat the egg white until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and salt and continue beating for 5/7 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Add the strawberries and continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Refrigerate the mousse until ready to assemble cake.

There will be leftovers. If you freeze the mousse, it turns into a light ice cream and is lovely to enjoy by the spoonful.

 

Whipped Cream Icing
1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, whip together all ingredients until stiff peaks form. Chill the whipped cream until ready to assemble.

 

To assemble
450 grams fresh strawberries
25-30+ ladyfingers (savoiardi cookies)

On a serving plate, place the bottom layer of the cake. Cut a handful of strawberries into quarters and place them randomly over the surface. Spoon on the chilled strawberry mousse and place the cake in the freezer for 15-20 minutes (or longer) to stiffen the filling.

Place on the top layer of cake. Using an offset spatula, frost the cake on all sides with the whipped cream icing. Press the ladyfingers along the outside of the cake, spacing them evenly. Dot the top of the surface with the remaining fresh strawberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Recipe from http://www.pastryaffair.com