Fruit Cake 3P (pears, peaches, plums)

Fruit Cake 3P (pears, peaches, plums) – a fall delight

If you are looking for a quick and flavorful dessert recipe, the Fruit Cake 3P is the perfect choice. This cake combines the sweet and juicy flavors of pears, peaches, and plums, offering an explosion of aromas in every slice. It is not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to celebrate the autumn harvest.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 7-8 ripe pears
- 3 juicy peaches
- 10-12 sweet plums
- 1 whole egg
- 3 egg whites
- 200 g butter (1 package)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 120 g sugar
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 220 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2-3 teaspoons of rum essence
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 pinch of cinnamon

A brief history of fruit cakes

Fruit cakes have a long history, being prepared since ancient times in various cultures. Seasonal fruits, such as pears and peaches, have always been appreciated for their sweetness and juiciness, making them ideal ingredients for desserts. This 3P fruit cake recipe is a modern reinterpretation of cooking traditions, bringing together textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Step-by-step preparation of the cake:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add 100 g of diced butter, grated lemon zest, 1 whole egg, one packet of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and 50 g of sugar. Knead the mixture with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Then, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Useful tips: Use room temperature butter to facilitate the homogeneity of the dough. Also, remember to wash your fruits well to remove any impurities.

2. Preparing the fruits:
Meanwhile, peel the pears and remove the seeds. Cut them into slices about 3-4 mm thick. For peaches, remove the skin and pit, and cut the plums in half.

3. Preparing the pan:
Grease a not too large baking dish (22-25 cm in diameter) with butter and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

4. Assembling the cake:
Take the dough out of the refrigerator and spread it evenly in the pan, slightly raising it on the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places, helping to avoid air bubbles during baking.

5. Caramelizing the fruits:
Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan or non-stick skillet. Add all the fruits, rum essence, remaining sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Let them cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring gently until they become soft and release their juices.

Suggestion: You can experiment by adding chopped nuts or almonds to the fruit mixture for a crunchy texture.

6. Arranging the fruits:
Use a spatula to remove the fruits from the syrup they cooked in and arrange them beautifully over the dough, creating a pattern that inspires you. Keep some fruits for decoration.

7. Preparing the meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm meringue. If you prefer an even more stable meringue, you can add a packet of whipping cream powder.

8. Finalizing and baking:
Remove the cake from the oven after 15 minutes of baking, spread the meringue evenly on top, and decorate with the remaining fruits. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue turns lightly golden.

9. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan. It is essential not to overturn it, as the meringue may fall. Cut the cake directly in the pan and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! The 3P cake is very versatile. You can substitute some fruits with apples or cherries, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Can it be frozen? Although the cake is best fresh, you can freeze it before adding the meringue. You can bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the size of the slices and the type of fruits used. The fruits provide a significant amount of vitamins (A, C), fiber, and antioxidants, benefiting the health of the immune and digestive systems.

Serving suggestions:
This cake is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with caramel sauce. You can also pair it with a warm herbal tea or a fragrant white wine for a complete culinary experience.

Happy cooking and enjoy every slice of this 3P fruit cake!