Strawberry desserts released by Frangerie. Frangerie Instagram

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As Christmas approaches next month and cake prices soar, a Christmas strawberry cake that can be enjoyed for under 20,000 won has been released. The star is the 'Strawberry Ssukdaebat Cake', launched by Frangerie in mid-November. The price of this cake, offered by Frangerie, a bakery brand operated by Eland Eats, is 19,900 won. Considering that the prices of cakes at major franchise bakeries have risen this year due to increased costs of raw materials and inflation, this is certainly an affordable price point for a strawberry cake.

This is especially reasonable given the recent surge in strawberry prices. Unusual weather this year has led to a poor harvest, causing the price of winter strawberries to rise. According to the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, as of the 27th of this month, the average price for a 1kg premium box of Geumsil strawberries was 43,696 won. The average price for the same weight of premium Seolhyang strawberries was 19,462 won. Eland Eats explained that, through collaboration with its affiliate Eland Farm & Food, they were able to lower purchasing costs by buying strawberries in bulk directly from the source together with other affiliates.

Strawberry Ssukdaepat Cake sold by Eland Eats' Frangerie. Provided by Eland Eats

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Upon opening the cake box for tasting, the sheer amount of strawberries immediately caught the eye. True to its name 'Ssukdaebat', whole strawberries were piled like a mountain in the center of the cake. The product name was inspired by the appearance, which looks as if fruit is overflowing. Just the visible strawberries alone seemed to number well over 20. According to Frangerie, each Strawberry Ssukdaebat cake contains an average of 20?30 strawberries, depending on their size. This is a noticeably larger quantity compared to major bakery brands, which typically use about 10 strawberries per strawberry cake at most.

The cake has a diameter of 13cm, making it a good size for 2?3 adults to share as a snack. Removing the protective wrapping revealed a fresh cream cake supporting the strawberries. The cake is filled with fresh cream and strawberry syrup, harmonizing perfectly with the strawberries. Perhaps because so many strawberries are already on top, there are none between the cake layers.

Strawberry Ssukdaebat Cake from Frangerie. Photo by Myunghwan Lee

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With so many strawberries, it was difficult to even cut the cake for tasting, as the strawberries were packed so tightly there was hardly any space for the knife. After some effort, taking the first bite released a strong strawberry aroma. Thanks to the whole fresh strawberries on top, the authentic taste of strawberries came through, and the well-ripened fruit spread sweetness throughout the mouth. The Strawberry Ssukdaebat Cake uses domestic strawberries grown in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. Depending on the cultivation period and condition, varieties such as Geumsil and Janghee are used.

Since fresh strawberries and cream are used, it is recommended to eat the cake soon after purchase or to store it in the refrigerator. Due to the nature of the ingredients, leaving it at room temperature for an extended period could result in spoilage. Frangerie also maintains a policy of producing and selling its cakes on the same day.

Meanwhile, Frangerie is accepting pre-orders for ten types of Christmas season cakes, including the Strawberry Ssukdaebat, until December 18. Christmas cakes ordered by pre-order can be picked up at Frangerie stores starting December 20.