Strawberry Marshmallow Cake – Zefir Cake (video)

Calling all strawberry lovers – I have just the strawberry cake recipe for you! My Strawberry Marshmallow Cake, aka Russian zefir cake, is the ultimate strawberry dessert! This decadent and stunning cake is made with classic sponge cake layers, melt-in-your-mouth strawberry marshmallow layers, fresh strawberries and of course strawberry buttercream! I garnished the cake with more marshmallow and chocolate ganache. Every bite of this strawberry cake is bursting with berry flavor!

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Make sure to watch my video recipe to see how zefir is made! Want new recipe updates? Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to receive email notifications!

Russian Zefir

If you’ve never tried zefir or Russian marshmallow, you are in for a real treat! This meringue marshmallow is like a little bite of heaven – so fluffy, soft and just melts in your mouth. This marshmallow recipe is different from its American cousin because it’s made with agar gelatin. This type of gelatin will set at room temperature, no refrigeration required, at it sets much quicker and firmer than regular gelatin. I have the one I use from Amazon linked below! When making zefir, make sure to follow the recipe very carefully for best results. The cooking times and measurements need to be accurate for the marshmallow to turn out well!

For my strawberry cake, I went with strawberry flavored zefir but it can be made in a large variety of flavors. My other favorites are peach and raspberry. Check out my other zefir cake below!

Strawberry Buttercream

Any strawberry cake recipe needs a strawberry buttercream to go with it! For this cake, I used a regular buttercream recipe and added strawberry emulsion. It’s a thicker type of concentrated extract that also has color. It’s my favorite option for adding the most berry flavor. You can also use regular strawberry extract or a few tablespoons of strawberry preserves. If you are using preserves, make sure to add them after you have the buttercream done. Whip the butter and sugar together first, then add the preserves and mix for about 20 seconds. Overmixing can cause the frosting to separate. If you don’t like buttercream, marshmallow cake would also work really well with my ‘Berry Whipped Cream Frosting’.

The Chocolate Ganache

The most elegant and simple finish to any cake – chocolate ganache is classic and stunning! Plus, it’s super easy to make! For a more in-depth tutorial on chocolate ganache, check out my ‘Back to Cake Basics’ episode – it’s a great technique to know for garnishing cakes, cupcakes and other desserts!

More Recipes!

Enjoyed this decadent cake recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• My newest zefir torte ‘Peach Zefir Torte’ from my cookbook, ‘The European Cake Cookbook’ is amazing!
• Strawberry Tiramisu Cake – this easy, no-bake cake recipe is so delicious and perfect for summer!
• Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake – decadent red velvet cheesecake with strawberry mousse!
• Strawberry Champagne Cake – with champagne cake layers and strawberry buttercream!
• Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake – simple and elegant strawberry cake with vanilla cake layers, whipped cream and loads of berries!

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Supplies/Tools

Need some supplies to make this recipe? You can get them here (Amazon affiliate links):

• Agar gelatin can be hard to find in stores; I always get this one from Amazon!
• My classic KitchenAid stand mixer is a must for this recipe – it will make the process much faster and easier!
• I love my classic Ateco turntable for decorating cakes!
• Use these disposable pastry bags with this set of jumbo cake decorating tips.

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Strawberry Marshmallow Cake – Zefir Cake (video)

2 hrs prep + 20 mins cook

16 servings

Decadent strawberry cake filled with strawberry zefir, aka Russian marshmallow, and strawberry buttercream!

Ingredients 

US Customary – Metric

For Sponge Cake:

• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For Strawberry Marshmallow/Zefir:

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 teaspoons agar gelatin
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup strawberry jello powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• red food coloring, optional
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar; for dusting

For Buttercream:

• 2 cups unsalted butter
• 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion or extract

For Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chocolate melts

For filling:

• 3 cups strawberries, for filling

Instructions

• The sponge cake can be prepared ahead of time or while zefir is setting. Preheat oven to 350F; line 2, 8-inch cake rounds with parchment paper. Place the eggs, sugar and vanilla into stand mixer bowl. Whisk on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the egg mixture is voluminous, white and ribbons off of whisk attachment. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients into the eggs in small amounts, folding gently but thoroughly after each addition.
• Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool the sponge cake layers completely on wire rack. If making the layers ahead of time, make sure to keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel to avoid drying.
• Prepare the zefir/marshmallow layers. Prepare the pans first. Line 2, 8-inch rounds with plastic wrap. Also line a few baking sheets with plastic wrap; set aside. Combine 1/4 cup water with the strawberry jello powder. Stir to combine, then microwave in 15 second intervals until the gelatin is completely dissolved; set aside.
• Pour the remaining 1/2 cup water into a small saucepan and add the agar gelatin. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the mixture starts to thicken and resembles apple sauce. Gradually add in the 2 cups sugar, stirring until it’s all combined. Keep cooking the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Simmer, not stirring, for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, place the egg whites into stand mixer bowl and whisk on medium speed to soft peak stage.
• Once sugar and agar syrup is ready, slowly pour it into the egg whites, whisking at the same time. Whisk for about 1 minute, then add the dissolved strawberry jello, lemon juice and a few drops of food coloring. Turn mixer up to high speed and whisk for about 5 to 8 minutes; the meringue will start to cool down, begin to thicken and pull away from the sides of the mixing bowl.
• Work quickly as the marshmallow sets fast. Spread the meringue into the prepared 8-inch cake rounds, creating 1-inch thick layers. Use an off-set spatula to level off the top. Transfer the remaining meringue into a pastry bag (I used tip #847) and pipe onto prepared baking sheets; the marshmallow size is up to you. Sprinkle the tops of the marshmallows/zefir with confectioner’s sugar. Set it aside for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to set. The longer it sets, the crispier the outside will become.
• Prepare the buttercream. Place softened butter into a mixer bowl and whisk until light and fluffy. Add the confectioner’s sugar and strawberry emulsion (can also use extract with a few drops of red food coloring). Whisk on high speed until light and fluffy.
• Prepare the strawberry filling. Place strawberries into a large bowl and crush using a masher or a large fork.
• Assembling the cake: split the cooled sponge cake layers in half, creating 4 layers total. Spread strawberry puree onto the first layer. Remove the zefir layer from the pan and invert on the sponge cake layer, removing the plastic wrap. Spread with butter cream and continue assembling the cake, alternating with sponge cake, strawberries and zefir. Cover the outside of the cake with butter cream and smooth down sides with a flat spatula. Set the cake into the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes.
• Prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream until steaming hot (not boiling!). Add the chocolate melts/chips and stir until the ganache is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the top of the cake.
• Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries and zefir dipped in chocolate. Keep any remaining zefir covered in an airtight container; it can stand for up to 1 week, no refrigeration needed. Refrigerate cake; remove 1 hour prior to serving to allow the butter cream to soften.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 916IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg