Summer time is one of my favourite times to find tiny little gems that are ideal for using in bakes. Head out to the coast and take a look around the coast for clusters of pink flowers, this is your Wild Thyme and it packs a punch so only use a handful in your bake. You can find Wild Strawberries almost anywhere as they are very widespread these days but woodlands and parks are great options. Ready to bake? Lets go!
Ingredients
- 175g Self-raising flour
- 175g softened butter
- 175g caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract/vanilla pod
- 1 cup Wild Thyme petals (stems removed)
- 1/2 cup chopped Wild Strawberries
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 cup mascapone cream
- 1/4 powdered sugar
method
For the cake:
Step one – Mix together your butter and caster sugar until smooth and silky.
Step two – Add your self-raising flour and baking powder and mix, then add in your eggs
Step three – now that you have a smooth mixture, add in your wild thyme and vanilla extract/pod. mix until the mixture looks smooth and silky, do not overmix where bubbles are formed.
Step four – line a baking tin with baking paper before adding in your mixture. I go for a square tin and create a tray bake instead of a round cake. Add your cake to the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180°. Check after 25 minutes and bake for longer if needed, we’re looking for a lovely golden top!
For the topping:
We’re going for a yummy mascarpone topping as it’s perfectly light to match this light and airy cake.
Step one – Remove any excess water out of your mascarpone cream.
Step two – whisk together your whipping cream and powdered sugar until smooth soft peaks have formed.
Step three – gently add your mascarpone cream to your stiff peaked cream mixture and whisk until the mixture thickens until thick peaks form. Be wary not to overmix or your mixture will split
Step four – chop up your wild strawberries and dry with a cloth before adding to your cream mixture
Now that your cake is cool, cut into slices and add your cream topping to the cake. You can decorate with some strawberries and wild thyme flowers. Sit back with a gin and enjoy!
Dan Rouse 