Celebration cake

Celebration Cake with Yogurt, Peaches, and Strawberries

Today I had the joy of celebrating with the most cherished people in my life: my beloved daughter, Larissa Elena, my husband Constantin, and, of course, our son, who was a bit upset that it wasn't his birthday. A celebration cake is always a perfect choice to commemorate special moments, and the recipe I will share with you today is not only delicious but also simple to make. Let's embark on this journey filled with love and flavor together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet baking powder

For the cream:
- 600 g plain yogurt (opt for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 150 g sugar
- Canned peaches (about 400 g)
- Fresh strawberries (about 250 g)
- 1 packet gelatin (10 g)

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (about 200 ml)
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the bases

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, otherwise, they will not whip well.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then gradually add the sugar. Continue beating until the mixture becomes firm and glossy.

3. Adding the yolks and oil: Carefully incorporate the yolks and oil, mixing well after each addition.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. This will ensure an even texture for the base.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Pour the flour mixture over the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula, from the bottom up, to maintain airiness.

6. Baking the bases: Pour the mixture into a round pan lined with baking paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Whipping the yogurt: In a bowl, whip the yogurt with the sugar until the latter is completely dissolved.

2. Preparing the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet to hydrate it. Generally, it will be mixed with cold water and then dissolved in a double boiler or microwave.

3. Incorporating the gelatin: Add the dissolved gelatin to the yogurt and mix well.

4. Adding the fruits: Slice the canned peaches thinly and halve the strawberries. Divide the yogurt into two equal parts: add the peaches to one and the strawberries to the other. Gently mix and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the bases: Once the base has cooled, cut it into 3 equal parts.

2. Assembling: In the pan where you baked the base, place plastic wrap to facilitate removing the cake later. Place the first base, soak it with juice from the peach compote, then add the peach cream. Place the second base (without soaking) and add the strawberry cream. Finish with the last base.

3. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, so the cream sets well.

Step 4: Decorating and serving

1. Decorate the cake: Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and take off the plastic wrap. Whip the cream and decorate the cake as desired, using strawberries for an attractive look.

2. Serving: I recommend letting it sit in the fridge for another 20-30 minutes before serving, so the flavors blend harmoniously.

Tips and Variations

- For a more aromatic cake, you can add a bit of vanilla to the base mixture or the yogurt cream.
- Fruit variations: If you don't have canned peaches, you can use mango or pineapple for a tropical taste. Replace the strawberries with berries for a fresh note.
- Tricks for a perfect base: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help achieve a fluffier base.

Nutritional Benefits

This celebration cake is not only delicious but also healthier compared to other traditional desserts due to the yogurt, which is a good source of probiotics, essential for digestive health. Additionally, the fruits add vitamins and antioxidants, making this cake a more nutritious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a caramel flavor and extra moisture.

- How can I make the cake less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use low-fat yogurt.

- Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Certainly! The cake will have time to blend the flavors and will be even tastier.

This celebration cake with yogurt, peaches, and strawberries is perfect for celebrating the beautiful moments in your life. I encourage you to try it and share the joy with your loved ones! Enjoy!