Kiwi Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

by

Kiwi Strawberry Birthday Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Kiwi Strawberry Birthday Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Featuring soft vanilla sponge layers, a luscious kiwi-strawberry crémeux, a light and airy strawberry mousse, and a tangy cream cheese icing, this cake is an explosion of fruity goodness. The decor is equally stunning, with a green chocolate velvet coating, strawberry confiture, and elegant cream cheese buttercream dollops. Whether for a birthday or a special celebration, this cake is sure to impress!

History & Inspiration

Fruit-based desserts have long been a symbol of indulgence and celebration. The combination of strawberries and kiwi is a classic pairing that balances sweetness and acidity, bringing out the best in both flavors. This cake draws inspiration from European pastry techniques, incorporating elements like crémeux and mousse for a refined, restaurant-quality finish. The green chocolate velvet pays homage to the kiwi’s vibrant hue, making this cake as visually striking as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Vanilla Sponge Cake

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Kiwi Strawberry Crémeux

  • ½ cup (120ml) kiwi purée
  • ½ cup (120ml) strawberry purée
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Strawberry Mousse

  • 1 cup (240ml) strawberry purée
  • ¼ cup (50g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp gelatin powder
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decor Elements

  • Strawberry Confiture: ½ cup strawberry jam
  • Green Chocolate Velvet Spray: ½ cup melted white chocolate + green cocoa butter spray
  • Buttercream Cream Cheese Dollops: Reserved cream cheese icing
  • White Chocolate Mousse Birthday Plaque: ½ cup white chocolate + 2 tbsp heavy cream

Method

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Let cakes cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Kiwi Strawberry Crémeux

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together kiwi purée, strawberry purée, sugar, and egg yolks.
  2. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat, add butter, and mix until smooth.
  4. Chill for at least 2 hours before using.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Mousse

  1. In a small bowl, mix gelatin with cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat strawberry purée with sugar and lemon juice until warm. Stir in the bloomed gelatin.
  3. Let mixture cool, then fold in whipped heavy cream.
  4. Chill until firm, about 3 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
  3. Reserve some icing for decor.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place the first sponge layer on a cake board.
  2. Spread a layer of kiwi strawberry crémeux.
  3. Add the second sponge layer and spread a thick layer of strawberry mousse.
  4. Top with the final sponge layer and cover the entire cake with cream cheese icing.

Step 6: Decorate

  1. Coat the cake in green chocolate velvet spray for a kiwi-like texture.
  2. Pipe buttercream dollops around the edges.
  3. Drizzle strawberry confiture on top for a glossy finish.
  4. Add a white chocolate mousse plaque with a personalized message.

Conclusion

This Kiwi Strawberry Birthday Cake is a true celebration of flavor, combining the richness of vanilla sponge with the tangy-sweet notes of strawberries and kiwi. The interplay of textures—smooth crémeux, airy mousse, and velvety cream cheese icing—creates an unforgettable dessert. Perfect for fruit lovers and those who appreciate elegant pastries, this cake will surely be the highlight of any birthday celebration!

Leave a Comment