Copycat Fujiya Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – Fluffy Japanese-Style Cake with Strawberry Cherry Jam — modern asian baking

The aroma of freshly baked cake and the vibrant colors of strawberries and cherries are enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine slicing into a fluffy Japanese-style cake, revealing layers of sweet and tangy strawberry cherry jam, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream. This is the essence of Fujiya’s iconic Strawberry Shortcake, and today, you’ll learn how to recreate it at home.

Fujiya’s Strawberry Shortcake is a beloved dessert in Japan, known for its light and airy texture paired with the freshness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in a slice of heaven. What makes this recipe unique is the addition of cherries to the traditional strawberry jam, adding a delightful twist to the classic flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy Texture: The Japanese-style cake is known for its light and airy texture, making each bite a delight.
• Fresh and Tangy: The combination of strawberries and cherries in the jam adds a burst of flavor.
• Easy Customization: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking and add other fruits if desired.
• Impressive Presentation: The layered cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries looks stunning on any dessert table.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a treat for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients—these simple pantry staples create magic together. For the cake, you’ll need cake flour, baking powder, eggs, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are essential for achieving that signature fluffy texture.

For the strawberry cherry jam, you’ll need strawberries, cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. This jam adds a delightful twist to the traditional strawberry shortcake.

Finally, for the whipped cream, gather heavy cream and powdered sugar. These will help you create a light and fluffy topping for your cake.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh strawberries and cherries for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen ones will work, but make sure to thaw them first. For the cake flour, brands like Swans Down or Pillsbury Softasilk are reliable choices.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need an 8-inch round cake pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, an electric mixer for beating the eggs and whipping the cream, a saucepan for the jam, a spatula for folding, and a whisk. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a hand whisk can work, but it will require more effort.

How to Make Copycat Fujiya Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Sift together the cake flour and baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick, about 5 minutes.

Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture. Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and melted butter. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. Believe me, patience here will pay off with a perfectly cooled cake that’s easier to handle.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cherry Jam

While the cake cools, prepare the jam. Combine strawberries, cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Let it cool. Tip from me: the jam should be thick but still spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread the jam on the bottom layer, then add a layer of whipped cream.

Now comes the fun part—place the top layer and cover the entire cake with whipped cream. Decorate with sliced strawberries.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Step back and admire your creation before slicing into it. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your homemade Fujiya Strawberry Shortcake with friends and family!

Professional Tips & Techniques Pro tip: To ensure a fluffy cake, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This incorporates air, which helps the cake rise and become light. Temperature matters: Use room temperature eggs and milk. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle, affecting the cake’s texture. Folding technique: When adding the dry ingredients, fold gently to avoid deflating the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Jam consistency: Cook the jam until it’s thick but still spreadable. If it’s too runny, it will make the cake soggy. Common mistake to avoid: Don’t rush the cooling process. A warm cake can cause the whipped cream to melt, affecting the final presentation. Recipe Variations & Customizations Fruit Variations: You can use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries in the jam for a different flavor profile. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter for the cake. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Reduced Sugar: Decrease the sugar in both the cake and the jam for a less sweet version. Seasonal Twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the jam during the fall season for a warm, cozy flavor. What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this Strawberry Shortcake with a cup of green tea for an authentic Japanese experience. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for birthday parties, tea time, or as a special dessert after a family dinner.

Consider serving it with a light fruit salad on the side to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake without the whipped cream and jam, then assemble when ready to serve. To reheat, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Avoid storing the cake at room temperature, as the whipped cream can spoil quickly.

Nutritional Benefits

Strawberries and cherries are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. They also provide vitamins C and K, contributing to overall health. The moderate serving size of this cake helps manage calorie intake while still enjoying a delicious treat.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake and make the jam a day ahead. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.

Q: What can I use instead of cake flour?

You can make your own cake flour by sifting together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers without the whipped cream and jam. Thaw and assemble when ready to serve.

Q: How can I adjust the sweetness?

Adjust the sugar in the cake and jam to your taste. Start with less and add more if needed.

Q: What if my jam is too runny?

Cook the jam a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery jam.

Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Line the cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides for easy removal.

Recipe Origin or History

Fujiya’s Strawberry Shortcake is a beloved dessert in Japan, often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions. The original recipe from Fujiya bakery has been a staple since the 1950s, known for its light and fluffy texture paired with fresh strawberries. This copycat recipe brings the iconic taste to your home kitchen with a modern twist of strawberry cherry jam.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Fujiya Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic Japanese dessert with a unique twist. The fluffy cake, combined with the tangy strawberry cherry jam and light whipped cream, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and leave a rating below. Happy baking!