Festive cake for Easter

Festive Easter Cake

Easter is a holiday full of traditions, joy, and, of course, culinary delights. This easy-to-make festive cake is perfect for completing the holiday meal, bringing a touch of freshness and refinement. With a delicious combination of fruits, whipped cream, and an attractive visual appeal, this cake will surely be the star of the Easter table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (the idea is to let it sit overnight for best results)
Total time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 3 packets of gelatin (10 g x 3)
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 5 peach halves from compote
- a few pitted sour cherries from compote
- 150 g raisins
- 50 ml cherry liqueur or brandy

For the whipped cream:
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 200 g heavy cream

For decoration:
- white whipped cream
- green coconut
- a chocolate chick/hen/rabbit or marzipan
- a few glazed and colored peanuts shaped like eggs

Preparation:

Step 1: Hydrating the gelatin
Start by hydrating the 3 packets of gelatin in 100 ml of water. Make sure to let them absorb completely for a few minutes so they become soft and easy to dissolve.

Step 2: Preparing the gelatin base
After the gelatin has hydrated, add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and the well-beaten egg. Place the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously. It is important not to reach boiling point, as the gelatin can curdle. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Preparing the whipped cream
Meanwhile, whip the liquid cream using a mixer. Add the sugar from the cup and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and fluffy whipped cream. Gently fold in the heavy cream with a spatula to keep the air in the whipped cream.

Step 4: Hydrating the raisins
Soak the raisins in 50 ml of cherry liqueur or brandy for about 30 minutes. This process will make them juicier and more flavorful, adding an extra touch to the cake.

Step 5: Preparing the fruits
Remove the sour cherries from the compote and drain them in a sieve, as well as the peach halves. Make sure they are well drained to avoid diluting the mixture.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients
When the gelatin has cooled, mix it with the whipped cream, making sure to reserve a cup for decorating the cake. Add the drained raisins, gently folding to avoid losing the air in the whipped cream.

Step 7: Assembling the cake
Prepare a detachable cake pan (you can use a heart-shaped mold for a festive look). Line the bottom and sides of the pan with plastic wrap. Pour in the first half of the mixture, then arrange the peach halves and sour cherries according to your preference. Cover with the remaining mixture, level it off, and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 8: Decorating the cake
Once the cake has cooled and set, carefully turn it out onto a platter. Cover it with the reserved white whipped cream. Sprinkle green coconut on top and decorate with a chick/hen/rabbit and glazed peanuts that resemble Easter eggs.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want a more colorful cake, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the gelatin mixture.
- This cake can be customized with other fruits of your choice, such as strawberries or kiwi, for a fresh touch.
- Remember to use fresh whipped cream and quality heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture and delicious taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains fruits that provide vitamins and antioxidants, and gelatin is a source of collagen, beneficial for joints and skin. Additionally, the cream and heavy cream add a considerable caloric intake, so it's best to enjoy this dessert in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace gelatin with another gelling agent?
Yes, you can use agar-agar, but you will need to follow the instructions on the package for dosing.
2. How can I make the cake less caloric?
You can use light whipped cream and reduced-fat heavy cream, but the taste will be different.
3. Is it possible to make the cake a day before the event?
Yes, in fact, it is recommended to refrigerate it overnight for it to set well.

This festive Easter cake is an ideal choice to bring extra delight to your holiday table. Enjoy each slice with your loved ones, cherishing beautiful moments together!