Diplomat Cake

Diplomat Cake with Pineapple - Delicious and Refreshing Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 3-3.5 hours
Servings: 10

Who doesn't love a refreshing and creamy dessert that brings a touch of summer to every bite? The diplomat cake is an elegant dessert, perfect for special occasions or simply to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With a base of fine and flavorful cream, this cake is enriched with pineapple and whipped cream, offering an explosion of freshness and sweetness. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

- 500 ml milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 2 packets gelatin
- 1 can pineapple rings (or fresh pineapple)
- Kiwi (for decoration)
- 1 package ladyfingers (approximately 250 g)
- Pineapple juice (for soaking the ladyfingers)

Necessary Utensils

- Pot for boiling
- Mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Springform pan (preferably)
- Plastic wrap
- Double boiler (or another bowl for dissolving the gelatin)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Cream

1. Start by bringing the milk to a boil in a medium-sized pot. It's important to stir occasionally to prevent burning. This will bring the flavor and texture we want in our cream.

2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, you'll achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture, which will create a fine base for our cream.

3. Gradually add the cornstarch to the egg yolk mixture, mixing well to avoid lumps.

4. Once the milk has started to boil, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the milk, stirring continuously. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from curdling.

5. After adding the entire mixture, pour it back into the pot with milk and place it over low heat. Continue stirring until the cream thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove from heat and let the cream cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Gelatin

6. In a small bowl, place the two packets of gelatin and add enough water to cover them (about 100 ml). Let the gelatin hydrate for 5 minutes.

7. After it has hydrated, place the gelatin over a double boiler and stir until completely dissolved. It's important not to let the gelatin boil, just to melt gently.

8. Once dissolved, add the gelatin to the cooled egg yolk cream, mixing well to ensure it integrates evenly.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

9. In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. A useful tip here is to ensure that both the bowl and the whisk are cold, which will help the cream set better.

10. Once the cream is whipped, add the cooled egg yolk cream and gently fold it in with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to maintain the air in the whipped cream.

11. Add pieces of pineapple to our cream, gently mixing to distribute them evenly.

12. Prepare the springform pan: line the bottom and sides with plastic wrap, so the cake is easy to remove after chilling.

13. Place the ladyfingers in the prepared pan, quickly soaking them in the pineapple juice. This will add a delicious flavor and a soft texture to our cake.

14. Arrange the pineapple slices around the edge of the pan, then pour the cream and whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out to create an even surface.

15. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the cake chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or, ideally, overnight. This waiting time is essential to allow the ingredients to blend perfectly.

Step 4: Decorating and Serving

16. Once the cake has chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully peel away the plastic wrap.

17. Decorate the cake with whipped cream and kiwi slices for a contrast of color and flavor. This will not only look spectacular but also add a touch of freshness.

18. Cut the cake into generous slices and enjoy it alongside a cup of iced tea or lemonade for an unforgettable experience.

Tips and Useful Advice

- If you want to add a touch of sophistication, try adding a few drops of coconut extract to the pineapple cream.
- You can experiment with different berries or even peaches to vary the flavors.
- Make sure the cream is whipped firmly, but don’t overdo it to avoid it becoming grainy.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

The diplomat cake with pineapple is a relatively light dessert, with approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Pineapple provides a good source of vitamins C and B, while the whipped cream and egg yolks contribute to the protein intake. Although it is a sweet dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! You can replace pineapple with mango, peaches, or even berries.

2. How can I make the cake healthier?
You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners or honey and use low-fat whipped cream.

3. Is it possible to make the cake without gelatin?
Yes, you can try using agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative.

The diplomat cake with pineapple is a perfect choice for lovers of delicate and refreshing desserts. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet moment, I assure you that every bite will be a memorable experience. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, savor!