Ingredients

6 eggs, separated

1-1/2 cups sugar, divided

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons water

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

2 cups whole fresh strawberries

Preparation

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

In another bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in the lemon juice, oil and water. Combine flour and salt; add to yolk mixture.

Beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites.

Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.

In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.

Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan; remove cake.

Cut into three horizontal layers. Place one layer on a serving plate; top with some of the whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer; spread remaining whipped cream over top and sides of cake. Arrange remaining sliced berries on sides of cake.

Cut whole berries in half; arrange on cake top.

Store in the refrigerator..