Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 250 g flour
• 125 g butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 50 g sugar
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:

• 500 ml milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g sugar
• 40 g cornstarch
• 1 vanilla pod or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For covering:

• 500 g fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or jelly
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. First, prepare the dough for the base by putting the flour, cold butter, sugar, egg and a pinch of salt into a large bowl. Using your fingertips or a food processor, mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly mass.
2. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. In the meantime, prepare the vanilla cream by heating the milk in a saucepan. Cut the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape out the pulp. Add the vanilla pod and pulp to the milk and bring to the boil briefly. Remove from the heat and remove the vanilla pod.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and has a pudding-like consistency.
7. Remove the vanilla cream from the heat and pour it into a bowl. Cover with cling film and place directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Allow to cool.
8. Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured work surface. Grease a springform pan and press the dough evenly into the pan, pulling up one edge.
9. Prick the base several times with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
10. Wash the strawberries, dry them and halve or quarter them, depending on their size.
11. Spread the cooled vanilla cream on the dough base and smooth it out.
12. Spread the strawberry pieces evenly over the vanilla cream.
13. Warm the strawberry jam or jelly slightly and spread it over the strawberries to give them a shine.
14. Place the strawberry cake with vanilla cream in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the cream to set.
15. Before serving, dust the strawberry cake with powdered sugar as desired.

This strawberry cake with vanilla cream is a real treat for the senses and a perfect dessert for warm summer days. The combination of crispy dough, creamy vanilla cream and fresh strawberries makes it an unforgettable taste experience that you and your guests will love. Try this delicious recipe and let yourself be seduced by its summery charm! Enjoy!