This Strawberry Filling for Cakes is really simple to make but would take your cake flavours to a new level making it even more fruity, fresh and delicious
In a saucepan add the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Stirring often, cook the mixture until the strawberries soften and start to break apart easily. (You do not need to thaw the frozen strawberries).
Do a taste test to see if the sweetness and tartness are right!! If not adjust by adding more sugar or more lemon juice. Add more sugar if it is too tart and more lemon juice if it is too sweet. (I first added 3 tbsp of sugar from above and then added 2 additional tbsp upon tasting)
Once satisfied add the cornstarch and mix well so that there is no formation of lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. It takes about 6 to 8 mins from the start to thicken the filling.
Transfer the prepared filling to a separate container and then cling wrap to seal it. Make sure the film touches the surface of the berries which ensures there is no formation of skin on top.
Allow the mixture to cool completely and then use as needed.
Video
Notes
To make sure that you get a nice, thick filling to layer between the cakes cook till it is well thickened.
Use fine sugar to speed up the process of cooking.
Taste test before adding cornstarch (or any other thickener) - if you want it sweeter, add some sugar; if you want it tarter, add lemon juice or zest of half a lemon.
Keep the filling a bit tart so that it balances out the sweetness of the cake well.
Remember to stir the mixture especially once you add cornstarch. You do not want any formation of lumps in the filling. To be doubly sure just add little water to cornstarch to prepare a slurry and then add this slurry to the strawberry mixture to thicken the filling.
Immediately transfer the cooked filling to a separate container to cool.
Cling wrap in a way that it touches the surface of the filling so as to avoid skin formation on top.
If you want it to be more of a puree or glaze consistency simply puree it, strain it and then use.
You can use this same filling recipe with any other fruit of choice like blueberry, mango, passion fruit, raspberry etc.