Description

This elegant dessert combines light, golden sponge layers with a decadent sparkling wine syrup and a luscious strawberry jam filling. Topped with a silky prosecco-infused buttercream and vibrant fresh berries, it is a sophisticated centerpiece perfect for any Southern-style celebration.

Ingredients

225g unsalted butter, softened
225g caster sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
225g self-raising flour, sifted
100ml prosecco
100g caster sugar
250g unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
500g icing sugar, sifted
3 tbsp prosecco (for frosting)
150g high-quality strawberry jam
250g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C Fan (180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4) and grease and line two 8-inch cake tins with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar with an electric mixer until pale, light, and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.
Gently sift in the self-raising flour and fold it into the wet ingredients until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared tins and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the syrup by combining 100g caster sugar and 100ml prosecco in a small pan over low heat; stir until dissolved, boil for 2-3 minutes, and set aside to cool.
Level the tops of the sponges if needed, poke holes across the surface with a skewer, and brush the prosecco syrup evenly over the warm cakes.
Make the buttercream by whisking the softened butter and icing sugar until smooth, then slowly adding the 3 tablespoons of prosecco until light and spreadable.
Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a stand, piping a buttercream border, filling the center with jam, adding the second sponge, and decorating with remaining frosting and fresh strawberries.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly stable buttercream that holds its shape, ensure your butter is softened but not greasy before mixing. Sifting the icing sugar is essential for a silky texture that pipes beautifully. For the best flavor infusion, apply the prosecco syrup while the cake layers are still slightly warm to help the liquid penetrate deeper into the crumb.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American