Diplomat cake with kiwi

Kiwi Diplomat Cake: A Refreshing Delight for Special Moments

The diplomat cake is an elegant and refreshing dessert, perfect for celebrating any special occasion. Inspired by the desire to give a sweet gift to a special friend, this recipe combines delicate textures and fresh flavors, bringing a smile to anyone who enjoys it. In this recipe, kiwi plays the leading role, adding not only a vibrant appearance but also a note of acidity that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cream.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients for the Base:
To achieve a perfect base, you can use a classic sponge cake recipe or one you prefer. I recommend using:
- 4 eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Ingredients for the Diplomat Cream:
- 200 g yogurt
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- Zest of one orange (grated peel)
- 2 kiwis (diced and 6 slices for decoration)

Ingredients for Decoration:
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 6 kiwi stars (cut from kiwi slices)
- 1 packet of transparent tort gelatin (gelatin for cake)

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 24 cm diameter cake pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour.
2. Beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt using a mixer until you obtain a frothy and light-colored mixture. It is essential to allocate enough time for this step, as the incorporated air will make the base fluffy.
3. Gradually add the sifted flour and the vanilla essence, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Diplomat Cream
1. Peel the kiwi, slice it, and cut out the stars for decoration. Dice the rest.
2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the sugar and orange essence. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture of the cream.
4. Combine the whipped cream with the yogurt mixture, adding the orange zest. Use a spatula to gently mix, without losing volume.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake
1. Place one cake layer in a removable ring. You can use a chocolate layer for a more decadent version.
2. Add a layer of diplomat cream, followed by half of the diced kiwi. Chill for about an hour so the cream sets.
3. Add the remaining diplomat cream and level it well. Finally, sprinkle the remaining kiwi cubes on top. Chill again, ideally overnight.

Step 4: Decorating the Cake
1. Whip the liquid cream for decoration until it becomes firm. Cover the sides of the cake with cream, creating a smooth and elegant appearance.
2. Pipe 6 swirls of cream on top of the cake, then place a kiwi star on each swirl.
3. Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet, making sure to use only as much as necessary to fix the kiwi stars in place, to avoid slipping.

Practical Tips:
- Customization: You can replace kiwi with other fresh fruits, such as strawberries or mango, to add a personal touch.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt and vegan cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Chilling Time: It is important to respect the chilling time to ensure a perfect cream texture. The cake becomes even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to blend.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a strong espresso to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 310 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 4 g

The kiwi diplomat cake is not just a dessert, but a sweet experience filled with memories and shared moments. Regardless of the occasion, this cake will bring a touch of elegance and refinement. So, don't hesitate to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones! It can become a family favorite, a quick and simple dessert, yet with a striking visual and taste impact.