Peach and Strawberry Cake

Quick Peach and Strawberry Cake - A No-Bake Delight

In a fast-paced world where time seems to never be enough, a no-bake cake becomes the perfect solution to bring a touch of refreshment and sweetness to special moments. This peach and strawberry cake is not only easy to prepare but also a true feast for the taste buds. Full of fresh flavors and delicate textures, this dessert is ideal for any occasion, from a picnic in the park to a festive dinner.

Total preparation time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh strawberries + 3 tablespoons sugar
- 400 g ladyfingers (one packet with 4 rows)
- 1 can of peeled peach compote (820 g)
- 10 g gelatin (one sachet)
- 100 ml cold water
- 700 ml liquid cream (ideally kept in the fridge)
- 18 strawberries for decoration
- Colored sugar balls for decoration

A bit of history:
No-bake cakes have gained popularity due to their simplicity and the versatility of ingredients. These delights have quickly become favorites among homemakers who wanted to impress without facing the challenges of baking. The combination of peaches and strawberries reflects the tradition of using seasonal fruits, bringing a fresh and vibrant taste.

Step by step for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the strawberries:
Start by washing the strawberries under a stream of cold water. Remove the stems and cut them in half. Place them in a small saucepan with the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the strawberries become soft and start to stick to the bottom of the saucepan. Then, let them cool.

2. Preparing the tray:
Wet a large loaf pan with cold water and place a plastic wrap over it, leaving edges that can be lifted later. This will help to release the cake without any problems.

3. Preparing the peaches:
Open the can of peach compote and carefully remove the slices. Strain the juice, keeping it to soak the ladyfingers. Arrange the peach slices on the bottom of the tray, forming an even layer.

4. Preparing the peach puree:
Place the remaining peaches in a food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree. This will add an intense flavor to your cake.

5. Peach cream:
In a bowl, whip 200 ml of liquid cream until soft peaks form. In a saucepan, put 50 ml of cold water and hydrate 5 g of gelatin. Once it thickens, melt the gelatin over a double boiler. Mix the melted gelatin into the whipped cream and peach puree, gently folding to avoid losing volume. Pour the mixture into the tray over the peach slices.

6. The layer of ladyfingers:
Soak the ladyfingers in the compote juice and place a layer over the peach cream, ensuring they are well covered.

7. Preparing the strawberry cream:
Repeat the process with the strawberries: blend them in a food processor until you get a smooth puree. Whip another 200 ml of cream and hydrate the other 5 g of gelatin in 50 ml of cold water. Once thickened, melt the gelatin over a double boiler and mix with the strawberry puree and whipped cream. Pour this mixture over the layer of ladyfingers in the tray.

8. Finalizing the cake:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until it sets completely.

9. Decorating:
Once the cake has set, remove it from the fridge. Use the remaining whipped cream to beautifully decorate it, add the colored sugar balls, and carefully place a few strawberries on top for a fresh and tempting appearance.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping; this will make it more stable.
- You can replace peaches with mango or pineapple for a tropical version of this cake.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the strawberry cream.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure to let them thaw and remove excess water before using.
- How long can the cake be stored in the fridge? The cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.
- Is it possible to make this cake without gelatin? Yes, you can use a vegetarian gelatin substitute, such as agar-agar, according to the instructions on the package.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold lemonade or a fragrant fruit tea. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast that will delight all guests.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is an excellent source of vitamins due to the fresh fruits, and the cream adds a note of creaminess. However, it is recommended to consume moderate portions, considering the sugar content.

This quick peach and strawberry cake is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to create memorable moments with loved ones. So put on your chef's gloves and enjoy a delicious dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of those dear to you!