The Classic Strawberry Shortcake: Why is it Popular in Japan?
Devon Lord-Moncrief
The classic strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert worldwide. It features soft sponge cake, sweet cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries. For years, this light but decadent cake is best for those with a sweet tooth. Japan is particularly fond of this classic dessert!
What is a strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a layered cake assembled with three primary ingredients: cake, cream, and strawberries. This popular dessert was first introduced in the 18th century in the UK and the US, with both countries having their dessert variations. Some iterations of the cake utilize clotted cream, with others using whipped cream.
The Japanese version of strawberry shortcake uses traditional cream and fresh strawberries. This results in a less sweet cake than other types. The focus is on the fresh strawberries’ natural taste and the cream’s lightness. This differs from the heavier and sweeter varieties popular in the US!
How did the classic strawberry shortcake arrive in Japan?
In 1912, Japanese baker Fujii Rinemon traveled to the United States to learn about making Western desserts. While there, shortcakes with cream and fruit fascinated him. After returning to Japan, he created his version of the dessert. In 1952, he produced his iteration of the strawberry shortcake, but it took a few more years for it to gain popularity in Japan.
When home refrigeration technology became available, people could finally keep the perishable ingredients necessary for the cake on hand. Refrigerated displays at stores and supermarkets made the cake readily available, making it more popular nationwide. Soon, nearly every pastry and specialty dessert shop had its own version of the famous cake.
When do they eat this cake in Japan?
Japan links strawberry shortcake with Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Unlike in the West, they don’t usually include traditional foods and customs associated with these holidays. This light and sweet dessert has become a trendy choice for both holidays.
Due to its differences from the Western version, the Japanese strawberry shortcake has become a beloved part of Japanese culture for celebrating love, friends, and family. Stores and restaurants offer specials for the cake, and customers often place orders far in advance to reserve their cakes.
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Which places in Tokyo have the best cake?
Ginza Sembikiya
Dating back to 1894, Ginza Sembikiya has become one of Japan’s premiere specialty dessert shops. The store is available in Ginza, located within Chuo City, Tokyo.
Specializing in delicious fruit-based foods, Ginza Sembikiya is famous for creating some of the best fruit desserts in Japan. Chief among them is their strawberry shortcake, a masterfully made dessert perfect for every celebration.
Il Pleut sur la Seine
Sliced strawberries. Strawberry sauce. Strawberry meringue. All come together in a perfect sponge cake base. Il Pleut sur la Seine’s take on the classic dessert is easily one of the most unique in all of Japan. As intricately constructed as it is delicious, Il Pleut sur la Seine, located in Shibuya in Tokyo, is a dessert specialty shop that should be visited.
Asterisque
Asterisque is a highly regarded pastry shop by Koichi Izumi in Shibuya City, Tokyo. Their menu offers an experience of excellence, with seasonal cakes and treats and classic items offered throughout the year. One such dessert is their strawberry shortcake, a mainstay on the menu. This ensures that patrons can enjoy the fantastic cake any time they like in the year.
Why is the classic strawberry shortcake so timeless?
Strawberry shortcake is so beloved due to its perfect pairing of flavors, textures, and colors. The sponge cake is light, airy, and moist. The cream is smooth, sweet, and silky. The strawberries, the dish’s star, are tart, luscious, and bursting with bright flavor. A strawberry shortcake should be light and fresh as a cool spring morning but alluring and decadent as an intimate Winter evening.
The cake is perfect regardless of the season, and the simplicity of the ingredients means that it can always be made with minimal issues at a moment’s notice. When constructed well, the layers are an absolute show-stopper, as the bright sponge compliments the deep red of the berries and snow-white cream. With a wide variety of ways to prepare it, the cake is an excellent and perfect addition to nearly every celebration.
Are strawberry shortcakes your favorite kind of cake? Have you been lucky enough to have enjoyed them in Japan? If so, where did you get it from? Was it the best cake you’ve ever had? Please tell us in the comments! We’d love to hear about your fantastic dessert!
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