A fraisier cake is a delicious piece of French tradition, crafted with layers of airy sponge, rich cream, and fresh strawberries. Over the years, this cake has captured hearts far beyond France, bringing its artful construction and tantalising flavours to dessert tables worldwide. So let’s explore where it all began, how it’s evolved, and the delightful variations that keep this treat fresh and vibrant for each new generation.
Fraisier cake origins
The story of the fraisier cake begins in France, with roots in the 19th-century culinary renaissance. It was first created as a tribute to the strawberry, a fruit that symbolised the freshness of summer. Strawberries are the heart of a true fraisier, and it’s believed the cake’s name stems from the French word for the fruit, fraise.
The cake’s allure is in its meticulous construction. Halved strawberries are arranged upright along the edge of the cake, making each slice an elegant cross-section of cream, sponge, and fresh berry. Over time, the fraisier became popular in patisseries across France.
While the exact origins of the cake’s first recipe remain a bit of a mystery, the fraisier as we know it today was refined by none other than Gaston Lenôtre, a famous French pastry chef. His 1966 version brought the cake international acclaim, as he assembled layers of genoise sponge soaked in kirsch, creamy mousseline, and strawberries, finished with a gleaming layer of marzipan on top.
Modern takes
Fraisier cake may be steeped in tradition, but its appeal has led to an array of creative reinterpretations. Let’s explore a few contemporary twists that showcase the cake’s adaptability.
Fraisier eclairs
This is an exciting twist on the classic Fraiser. These delicate pastries are filled with a strawberry mousseline or pastry cream, then topped with fresh strawberries and a glaze. Each bite combines the indulgent flavours of a fraisier with the light, airy texture of an éclair, making it a perfect choice for those who love a handheld treat.
Framboisier: the raspberry cousin
The framboisier cake is essentially the raspberry version of the fraisier. Instead of strawberries, this cake uses fresh raspberries nestled in layers of sponge and mousseline. Raspberries add a tart edge to the sweetness of the cream, creating a balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying. A dusting of powdered sugar or a thin layer of marzipan, dyed a soft pink, adds to the cake’s refined presentation.
Matcha mousse fraisier
Ever wondered what matcha and strawberries would taste like in one bite? This twist on the classic fraisier might just blow your mind. This variation combines matcha-infused mousse with the cake’s traditional strawberry layers, creating a vibrant green-and-red contrast that’s as stunning visually as it is delicious. The earthy notes of matcha complement the sweetness of the strawberries, adding unexpected depth to each bite of this East-meets-West dessert.
Fraisier with white chocolate mousse
This take features a white chocolate mousse in place of mousseline cream, giving the cake a delicate, luxurious mouthfeel. The modern fraisier cake with white chocolate mousse combines traditional genoise sponge with the rich, creamy texture of white chocolate, layered with strawberries for a classic touch. Its sophisticated flavour profile and smooth finish make it a contemporary favourite that adds a touch of elegance to any celebration.
Other modern twists
Pastry chefs worldwide have added unique spins on the classic fraisier, with some experimenting by swapping mousseline cream for lighter diplomat cream, which blends pastry cream with whipped cream for a softer, airier texture. Other variations skip the marzipan topping, opting instead for a delicate mirror glaze or even edible flowers for a floral, modern touch. These twists maintain the essence of the fraisier while giving it a contemporary edge that feels at home on any dessert table.
Honouring the Fraiser cake with a modern flair
At Eclair at the Bay, we’re thrilled to bring a touch of French elegance to Australia with our own take on the fraisier cake. Our version is crafted with layers of moist vanilla sponge, filled with a luscious vanilla mousseline, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries. The cake is topped with a beautiful layer of strawberry jelly, fresh berries, and edible flowers, offering a modern presentation that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate.
To experience this iconic dessert for yourself, pre-order a fraisier from us today. Available in both small and large sizes, it’s an ideal choice for those special celebrations, or simply as an indulgence to share.
Eclair at the Bay
