Apricot cake

Apricot Cake - A Delight That's Easy to Make

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 5 hours
Servings: 10

Who doesn't love a refined cake with a fresh apricot aroma? This apricot cake recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fantastic way to bring a touch of summer into less sunny days. Made with a fluffy base and a fine cream, this cake is perfect for special moments but also for bringing smiles every day.

A Brief History of Apricot Cake

Apricot cake combines the tradition of fruit desserts with modern cooking techniques. Over the years, it has become a symbol of joy and conviviality, served at festive occasions as well as a sweet indulgence on ordinary days. Apricots, with their sweet and slightly tangy flavor, are seasonal fruits that add a touch of freshness to any dessert.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs (make sure they are fresh for a fluffier base)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 packet of chocolate cream Ole (for a creamy texture)

For the cream:
- 1 jar (800 g) of apricot compote (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 1 yogurt (450 g, choosing Greek yogurt will add extra creaminess)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 400 ml liquid cream Hulala (or another, but ensure it has a high-fat content for a firm texture)
- 2 packets of gelatin (gelatin helps stabilize the cream)

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Preparing the Base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with the sugar until you get a firm and glossy foam. This step is essential for a fluffy base.
- Gradually add the yolks, continuing to mix on low speed to incorporate them evenly.
- Begin to add the packet of chocolate cream Ole, mixing gently to avoid losing volume.
- Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Check if it's baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.
- After baking, let it cool completely on a cake stand.

2. Preparing the Cream:
- Keeping a few slices of apricots from the compote for decoration, puree the rest of the apricots with a mixer until you get a fine puree.
- In a bowl, combine the apricot puree with the yogurt and 150 g sugar. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
- Hydrate the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water for 10 minutes, then dissolve it in a bain-marie, being careful not to boil it.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the apricot and yogurt mixture, mixing well. Refrigerate the composition to firm up a bit (about 15 minutes).
- Whip the cream until firm, keeping some for decoration. Incorporate the whipped cream into the apricot cream with gentle folding motions to maintain airiness.

3. Assembling the Cake:
- Place the first layer of base on a serving platter. Soak it with a little juice from the apricot compote.
- Arrange the reserved apricot slices on top, followed by a layer of apricot and yogurt cream.
- Place the second layer of base on top, soak it, and gently press the cake.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 4 hours to firm up.

4. Finalizing the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove the detachable ring from the pan. If you used a baking dish, you can help it out with two plates, being careful to keep the apricot base on top.
- Decorate with the remaining whipped cream and, if desired, add a few slices of apricots for an attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions

This apricot cake is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit drink. Additionally, a cup of green tea or freshly squeezed lemonade pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Nutritional Benefits

Apricots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, having a high content of antioxidants and fiber. The yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while the cream, although higher in calories, brings a delicious creamy texture. However, if you wish to reduce calories, you can replace the cream with a lighter version or even Greek yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the compote with fresh apricots? Sure! Just make sure to cook them a little to soften them so they can be pureed more easily.
- Can I use another type of gelatin? Yes, plant-based gelatin is an excellent option for a vegetarian version of this cake.
- What other fruits can I use? Berries, peaches, or even mango can be a wonderful choice to experiment with flavors.

Calories

Each serving of apricot cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an indulgent dessert but perfect for special occasions.

This apricot cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience you can share with loved ones. So gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy every slice!