Diplomat cake with grapes

Diplomat cake with grapes: a refined and elegant delicacy

The diplomat cake is a classic dessert that combines a fluffy sponge base with a light cream, often enriched with fresh fruits. This cake is perfect for special occasions or simply to add a touch of sweetness to ordinary days. In this recipe, we will use grapes, which add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the fine texture of the cream.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of water
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the cream:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g of sugar
- 300 ml of liquid cream
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 2 packets of gelatin
- 1 packet of jelly gel
- Grated zest of one orange

For the syrup:
- 100 ml of water
- 50 g of sugar

For decoration:
- Fresh grapes
- Whipped cream

Step by step: Preparing the diplomat cake with grapes

1. Preparing the sponge
Start by carefully separating the yolks from the whites. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy sponge. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with 7 tablespoons of sugar and 7 tablespoons of water until the mixture becomes a dense foam of a bright yellow color. Add the vanilla, lemon zest, and baking powder, and mix gently.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you achieve a stiff foam, which will add air and volume to the sponge. Gently fold in the flour into the yolk mixture, then add the egg white foam, mixing with a spatula using a folding motion to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 35 minutes. The sponge is ready when it turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

2. Preparing the cream
While the sponge is baking, you can prepare the cream. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes. In a bowl, beat the whole eggs with 150 g of sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy foam. Place the bowl over a double boiler (a pot with hot water) and add the gelatin cut into small pieces, stirring constantly until the gelatin completely dissolves. Once the mixture has cooled, add the vanilla and orange zest.

Separately, whip the cream until stiff. Fold the whipped cream into the egg mixture, stirring gently to maintain the airy texture.

3. Assembling the cake
After the sponge has cooled, cut it into two equal parts horizontally. In the pan where you baked the sponge, place a plastic wrap and arrange some fresh grape berries at the bottom. Prepare the jelly gel according to the instructions on the package and pour it over the grape berries, ensuring they are completely covered.

Place the first half of the sponge over the grapes and soak well with the sugar syrup (made from water and sugar, boiled until completely dissolved). Add half of the egg cream and, if desired, a few grape berries, then place the second half of the sponge on top. Cover the cake with the remaining cream and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

4. Serving the cake
Once the cake has cooled and set, turn it out onto a serving platter. Decorate with fresh grapes and whipped cream, creating an attractive appearance that will impress any guest. You can also add a few mint leaves for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Useful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- The sponge can be soaked with various syrups, such as orange or lemon syrup, to give it a distinct flavor.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed within the first 24 hours.

Nutritional information
Each serving of diplomat cake with grapes contains approximately 300 calories, making it a lighter choice compared to other calorie-rich desserts. Grapes provide a good supply of antioxidants and vitamins, while cream offers a portion of healthy fats when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of grapes?
Yes, you can experiment with berries, peaches, or caramelized apples, depending on your preferences.

- Can I replace gelatin with another ingredient?
Gelatin is essential for achieving a firm texture, but you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative.

A personal note
This diplomat cake with grapes reminds me of the days spent with family, when we gathered around the table to enjoy delicious desserts. Each piece is not just a feast for the taste buds but also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. So, don't hesitate to share your creation with your loved ones!

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to start cooking! The diplomat cake with grapes is not just a dessert but a complete culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!