German Spring Recipes Erdbeerboden

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the simplicity of a buttery, golden crust with the vibrant, fresh taste of strawberries, making it both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Plus, the hint of vanilla and the glossy strawberry glaze turn this tart into a nostalgic reminder of delightful summer days.

I enjoy crafting dishes that are inspired by Germany and that use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Erdbeerboden, a classic spring cake in Germany, is a delightful treat and one that I’ve made many times.

It starts with a very light and tender base made from all-purpose flour, cornstarch (for that tender texture), and a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. My recipe uses strawberries, which I think make for the best version of this cake.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Supplies building blocks with carbs.

Cornstarch: Contributes to tenderness and a smooth texture.

Baking powder: Causes leavening, rendering the cake fluffy.

Butter, unsalted: Contributes moisture and delicious flavor.

Sugar in granular form: Imparts sweetness to the cake; and, in doing so, also serves the vital and often-overlooked role of flavor balancing.

Eggs are a binding agent and a source of protein.

Provide vitamins, sweetness, and tartness; they’re a good source of all these things.

Extract of vanilla: Boosts flavor in a warm way.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the tart pan. Use a nonstick cooking spray or rub the pan with butter to grease it.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.

3. Place the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together. Mix on medium to medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy in texture.

4. Incorporate the eggs into the butter mixture, adding them one at a time and ensuring that each is well beaten before the next is added. Along with the last egg, add the vanilla.

5. To the butter mixture, add the dry ingredients in increments, blending until just amalgamated. Then, with a steady hand, join the milk and the batter in a smooth liquid embrace.

6. Evenly spread the batter within the prepared tart pan.

7. For approximately 20-25 minutes, bake until the crust achieves a golden brown hue and a toothpick plunged into the center emerges clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool entirely.

8. The halved strawberries, arranged in a decorative pattern, make the tart look beautiful.

9. In a small saucepan, over low heat, melt the strawberry jam until smooth. For extra sweetness, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional).

10. Glaze the strawberries with the melted jam, then chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Tart pan
3. Nonstick cooking spray or butter
4. Medium bowl
5. Whisk
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Electric mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula
11. Toothpick
12. Wire rack
13. Small saucepan
14. Spoon

FAQ

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?It is advisable to use fresh strawberries for optimal flavor and texture; however, if you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries will work. Just make sure to thaw them and drain them very well.
• Is there a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?You may substitute an equal amount of potato starch or arrowroot powder for cornstarch.
• What can I use instead of unsalted butter?Salted butter can be used, but the pinch of salt in the recipe might need to be reduced.
• How do I know when the cake is done baking?The cake is finished when it has a pale, golden shade and a toothpick thrust into its middle emerges spotless.
• Can I add more flavors to the cake?Certainly, a bit of lemon zest can be added to the batter for a citrusy twist.
• Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?If you lack vanilla extract, you can leave it out or substitute it with a different flavor, like almond extract. Both possibilities, of course, assume a lack of what is a fairly basic pantry item at this point.
• How should I store leftover Erdbeerboden?Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for no more than 2 days. Enjoy it cold or allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

For a gluten-free version, you can replace 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Swap out 1/4 cup cornstarch for 1/4 cup arrowroot powder as a thickener.
Substituting butter in a recipe for an oil is not advised, especially when that oil is coconut. A nutty, tropical, mildly sweet essence will permeate whatever you are making. If you want a more neutral taste from your fat, use a different oil, such as canola or corn.
To make it healthier, use 1/2 cup of coconut sugar in place of 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract to attain a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough Before Baking After preparing the batter, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before spreading it in the tart pan. This helps prevent the base from shrinking during baking and gives the crust a more tender texture.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even bake.

3. Use a Pastry Brush for the Jam Glaze When brushing the melted strawberry jam over the strawberries, use a pastry brush for even distribution. This will give a professional, glossy finish to your tart.

4. Choose Fresh, Ripe Strawberries For the best flavor, select strawberries that are ripe and smell fragrant. This will ensure your tart has a natural sweetness and vibrant taste.

5. Experiment with Flavors Try adding a little lemon zest to the batter or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the glazed strawberries for an unexpected bright note that complements the sweetness of the fruit.