Paul Hollywood reveals easy £4 Fraisier cake hack to impress guests

On October 20, 2024, in the UK, renowned baker Paul Hollywood showcased an easy and cost-effective method to make a Fraisier cake, a well-known French dessert. Traditionally, this cake consists of two layers of Genoise sponge, simple syrup, Crème Mousseline, and fresh strawberries, generally requiring a significant investment of time and money. Hollywood claimed that his approach significantly reduced the overall expense, bringing it down to around £4 instead of the typical £40 price point for a factory-made version or a more intricate homemade one. His hack included the suggestion of purchasing ready-made sponge cakes, topping them with whipped cream folded with strawberry puree. This assembly would enable bakers to achieve the cake's striking appearance while saving both preparation time and costs. He emphasized that the final product could impress guests with its professional look, despite the minimal expenditure. However, reactions from the audience varied dramatically. While some users praised the idea and expressed excitement over trying the recipe, others remarked on his seeming disconnect from the actual costs of ingredients. Many pointed out that sourcing cream, strawberries, sugar, and sponge cakes for just £4 was unrealistic. This debate around affordability highlights the ongoing challenges faced by home bakers in managing expenses in today's economic climate. Ultimately, Paul Hollywood's endorsement of this budget-friendly recipe could inspire many to experiment in the kitchen, although the feasibility of his pricing remains questionable for some aspiring bakers.