>> source: https://www.justonecookbook.com/japanese-strawberry-shortcake/
>> servings: 8
>> time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Preheat #oven{} to 180°C. Grease a #20cm round cake pan{} with @butter for greasing{14%g} and line the base with parchment paper. Sift @cake flour{120%g} at least twice.

Melt @unsalted butter{40%g} in a #small bowl{} over a #double boiler{}. Once melted, add @whole milk{30%ml} and whisk to combine. Set aside to keep warm.

In a #stand mixer bowl{}, add @eggs{4} and break the yolks and whites. Add @sugar{120%g} and whisk to combine. Set the bowl over a #bain-marie{} and whisk constantly until the mixture reaches 40°C. Transfer to the stand mixer and whisk on high speed until pale, fluffy, and tripled in volume, about ~{2%minutes}.

Add half the flour and fold gently with a #whisk{} using a downward-then-over motion. Add the rest of the flour and fold until incorporated. Take one scoop of batter and mix into the butter-milk mixture, then pour back into the batter over a #silicone spatula{} and gently fold in.

Pour into the cake pan and drop on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for ~{20%minutes} to ~{25%minutes} until a skewer comes out clean. Drop the pan on the counter, then turn out onto a #wire rack{}, remove parchment, flip back, and cover with a damp towel until cooled.

For the syrup, combine @water{30%ml}, @sugar for syrup{38%g}, and @orange liqueur{15%ml} (optional) and microwave for 1 minute.

For the cream, whip @heavy cream{480%ml} and @sugar for cream{38%g} over an ice bath using the stand mixer until soft peaks form.

Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers with a #serrated knife{}. Place the bottom layer on a #cake circle{} and brush with syrup. Spread whipped cream on top, arrange sliced @strawberries{454%g} over the cream leaving the centre open, cover with more cream, then place the top layer. Brush with syrup. Cover the entire cake with whipped cream and smooth with an #offset spatula{}.

Decorate the top with halved strawberries, @blueberries{10}, and @mint leaves{2%sprigs}. Refrigerate and enjoy within 2 days.