Creamy fruit cake

Creamy Fruit Cake: A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

I invite you to discover a delicious and refined recipe, perfect for special moments or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. This creamy fruit cake, with a generous layer of fresh pineapple and a velvety texture, will delight your taste buds and bring a splash of joy to any moment.

Total preparation time: 1 hour (plus chilling time in the fridge)
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs (choose fresh eggs for a more stable foam)
- 400 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a caramel note)
- 500 ml milk (whole milk is ideal for a creamier texture)
- 50 g flour (wheat flour is the most common, but you can experiment with whole grain flour)
- 3 packets of gelatin (about 30 g; make sure it is of good quality)
- 300 g fresh pineapple (or canned, but fresh will provide a more vibrant taste)
- 30 g cocoa (good quality cocoa will enhance the flavor)

A Bit of History:
Fruit cakes have been loved for centuries, being a fantastic way to combine diverse textures and flavors. In the past, cakes were reserved for special occasions, but over time, due to the diversification of preparation techniques and available ingredients, they have become part of daily meals. This recipe pays homage to these traditions, transforming into an accessible and delicious dessert.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by peeling the pineapple and cutting it into small cubes. If using canned pineapple, ensure it is well drained to avoid adding excess moisture. This will add a tropical note to your cake.

2. Dissolving the Gelatin:
In a small bowl, hydrate 3 packets of gelatin in 100 ml of cold water. Let them sit for a few minutes until they become gelatinous, then place them in a double boiler or microwave for a few seconds until completely dissolved. This step is essential to avoid lumps in your cream.

3. Making the Egg Cream:
Separate the yolks from the whites. In a saucepan, mix the yolks with 200 g of sugar, flour, and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. It is important to be patient in this step to avoid burning the mixture.

4. Adding the Gelatin:
Once the cream has thickened, add the dissolved gelatin and let it simmer over low heat for a short moment, stirring well. Then, remove the saucepan from heat and let the cream cool to room temperature.

5. Beating the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial to add air to your cake, giving it a fluffy texture.

6. Combining the Ingredients:
Gently fold the egg white foam into the cooled egg cream, mixing with a spatula in slow, upward motions. Then, divide the mixture in two: in one part, add 30 g of cocoa and mix well.

7. Assembling the Cake:
Prepare a dish (preferably a cake pan or a springform pan), lining it with butter. Pour a layer of the white cream, followed by a layer of pineapple cubes, then a layer of cocoa cream. Continue this way until all ingredients are used, being careful to alternate the layers.

8. Chilling:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the cake chill in the fridge for a few hours, preferably overnight, to set well.

9. Serving:
After it has been in the fridge, carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter. You can decorate with slices of fresh pineapple or grated chocolate for an elegant touch.

Practical Tips:
- Perfect Texture: Ensure that the gelatin is completely dissolved; otherwise, the cake will not have a uniform texture.
- Delicious Variations: Experiment with other fruits, such as strawberries or kiwi, to add a variety of flavors.
- Creative Serving: Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar or even natural sweeteners.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe contains approximately 250 kcal per serving, and the combination of fruits and eggs provides a good source of vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants. Pineapple, in particular, is rich in bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The creamy fruit cake is an excellent choice for any occasion or simply to indulge yourself. You can surprise your loved ones or treat yourself with this delicious delicacy. Enjoy!