This Swedish strawberry cake is soft, creamy, floral, and perfect for warm days. Fresh garden strawberries bring sweetness and color, while chamomile adds a gentle honey-like aroma that makes the cake feel delicate and homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is light, fresh, and beautifully layered. The sponge is tender, the chamomile cream is smooth, and the strawberries make every bite juicy. It is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple garden dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the sponge cake:
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons warm water
1 pinch salt
For the chamomile cream:
2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers or 4 chamomile tea bags
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling and topping:
3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup vanilla custard or pastry cream
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 6 to 8 minutes, until pale, thick, and airy. Add vanilla extract and warm water.
Sift in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly. Let the cake cool completely.
Warm 1 cup of heavy cream with the chamomile over low heat until steaming, not boiling. Remove from heat and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and chill completely.
Whip the chilled chamomile cream with the remaining 1 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
Slice the cooled cake into 3 layers. Spread custard on the first layer, add strawberries, then a layer of chamomile cream. Repeat with the second layer.
Place the final cake layer on top and cover the cake with the remaining chamomile cream. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 35 minutes
Bake time: 25 to 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: about 2 hours
Variations
Use raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry version.
Add a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra sweetness.
For a stronger floral flavor, steep the chamomile a few minutes longer, but avoid over-steeping so it does not taste bitter.
You can also add a little lemon zest to the sponge for a brighter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled because of the cream and custard.
This cake should not be reheated. Serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and strawberries may lose their texture.
FAQs
Can I use chamomile tea bags?
Yes, chamomile tea bags work well. Use 4 tea bags for the cream.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it one day ahead. Keep it refrigerated until serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used for the filling.
What does chamomile taste like in cake?
Chamomile has a soft floral flavor with a light honey-like note.
Can I skip the custard?
Yes, you can replace it with extra whipped chamomile cream.
Why did my sponge cake sink?
It may have been underbaked or mixed too roughly after adding the flour.
Can I make this cake without cornstarch?
Yes, replace the cornstarch with the same amount of flour.
How do I slice the cake neatly?
Chill it first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
Can I decorate it with whole strawberries?
Yes, whole or halved strawberries look beautiful on top.
Is this cake very sweet?
No, it is lightly sweet, creamy, and fresh.
Conclusion
Jordgubbstårta with chamomile is a lovely Swedish-inspired strawberry cake that feels simple, fresh, and elegant. With soft sponge, floral cream, custard, and juicy strawberries, it is a beautiful dessert for summer celebrations or peaceful garden afternoons.
