Birthday cake

Birthday Cake with Peaches and Fondant Hearts

Today, I’m sharing a birthday cake recipe that is sure to impress at any party! This sweet masterpiece combines a fluffy sponge with a delicious layer of yogurt cream infused with peaches, all beautifully decorated with fondant hearts. Not only does this recipe look wonderful, but it will also bring a lot of joy to your loved ones. It’s perfect for celebrating special moments, such as a birthday, and will surely be a delightful surprise for your friend who is celebrating a milestone age. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12-14 servings

Ingredients for the sponge:
- 8 large eggs
- 8-10 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of oil
- 8 tablespoons of milk
- 16 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract

Ingredients for the cream:
- 1 peach yogurt (350 g)
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 400 g of heavy cream
- 1 can of peaches (for soaking)
- 15 g of gelatin
- Vanilla extract

Ingredients for decoration:
- Whipped cream (for decoration)
- Fondant (for decorating)

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve perfect peaks.

2. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with an electric mixer until they become firm and double in volume. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy meringue.

3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Then, incorporate the oil and milk, mixing carefully.

4. Adding dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula and gentle upward motions to retain the air in the egg whites.

5. Flavoring: Add the vanilla extract and mix gently again.

6. Baking the sponges: Grease a small heart-shaped pan with oil and dust it with flour. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the batter and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes on low heat. Mix the remaining batter with the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and pour it into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the peach yogurt until well combined.

2. Whipping the cream: Whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm, and gradually fold it into the yogurt mixture, mixing carefully.

3. Preparing the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the package to rehydrate the gelatin. Once hydrated, add it to the yogurt mixture and mix well. Place the cream in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Adding the peaches: Drain the canned peaches and cut them into small cubes. Fold the peaches into the yogurt cream using slow movements.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Preparing the base layer: Line the bottom of the baking tray where you baked the sponge with plastic wrap. Add a layer of cream, followed by a layer of sponge that you soak with the syrup from the canned peaches. Repeat this process: cream, sponge, cream, sponge.

2. Hearts: Cut the heart-shaped sponge in half and repeat the same process using plastic wrap and the remaining cream. If you don’t have two heart-shaped pans, you can assemble it the same way.

3. Restoring the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to set.

Step 4: Decorating the cake
1. Whipped cream decoration: Once the cake has set, remove it from the refrigerator and decorate it with whipped cream.

2. Fondant hearts: Shape fondant into boy and girl hearts to add a personal touch.

Practical tips:
- For a perfect sponge: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Using gelatin: Gelatin helps stabilize the cream and gives it a firm texture. Don’t let it swell too much before adding it to the cream.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace the flour with alternative flours, such as almond or coconut flour, but be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.

Nutritional benefits:
- Peaches: They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health and the immune system.
- Yogurt: It is an excellent source of probiotics, promoting digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or mango.
2. How long can the cake be stored? The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh.
3. How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge and cream, adjusting the taste to your preferences.

This birthday cake will not only bring smiles to your loved ones' faces but will also become a symbol of the love and care you put into every recipe. Every detail, from the fluffy sponge to the fondant decoration, will make this celebration truly special. Happy birthday to your friend, and enjoy every slice!