Fruit Cake

Fruit Cake - A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, fruit cake stands out with its simplicity and elegance. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also remind you of warm summer days when fresh fruits are at their peak flavor. It is not just a dessert, but an explosion of colors and aromas, perfect for parties, birthdays, or simply to treat yourself. Let's embark on this delicious cake-making adventure together!

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 12-24 hours (ideally overnight)
Total Time: 13-24 hours
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the Pastry Cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150-200 g sugar
- 50-60 g cornstarch
- 500 ml milk
- Vanilla (one pod or essence)
- 1 packet gelatin
- 1 packet whipping cream stabilizer

For the Whipped Cream:
- 400-500 ml liquid cream

For the Syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- Flavors (optional: orange or lemon essence)

For Assembly:
- 1 package ladyfingers (400 g)
- Fresh fruits (mandarins, kiwi, pineapple, or seasonal fruits of your choice)

Preparing the Pastry Cream

1. Heat the Milk: In a pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Add the vanilla for extra flavor. When the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Beat the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar until they become a smooth, bright yellow cream. Add the cornstarch and mix well.

3. Combining: Gradually pour the warm milk over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Return the mixture to the pot where you boiled the milk.

4. Cook the Cream: Place the mixture over low heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens and becomes smooth. Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

5. Add the Gelatin: Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet and incorporate it into the cooled cream.

6. Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the cream very well, then refrigerate it until use. When both the cream and whipped cream are completely cooled, gently mix them to achieve an airy composition.

7. Incorporate the Fruits: Add diced fruits to the cream and mix gently.

Preparing the Syrup

1. Boil the Syrup: In a small pot, mix water with sugar and your preferred flavors. Bring to a boil and let it simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool.

Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare the Dish: Take a larger pot with high walls and line it with plastic wrap, covering the bottom and sides.

2. Decorating the Bottom: Place a layer of fresh fruits at the bottom of the dish, which will become the top of the cake.

3. Soaking the Ladyfingers: Dip each ladyfinger in the syrup, being careful not to soak them too long to avoid crumbling.

4. Arranging the Ladyfingers: Stand the ladyfingers upright, side by side, against the walls of the dish, ensuring they fit snugly.

5. Adding the Cream: Pour half of the fruit cream over the fruit layer, then add another layer of syrup-soaked ladyfingers. Continue with the remaining cream and finish with a final layer of ladyfingers.

6. Cooling the Cake: Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Ideally, let it chill overnight to set well.

Serving

The next day, invert the cake onto a platter, remove the plastic wrap, and if desired, decorate with whipped cream and fresh fruits. This fruit cake is not just a visual delight but also an explosion of flavors that will enchant your guests.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Fruits: You can use any combination of fresh fruits depending on the season. Berries, peaches, or strawberries are excellent for a fresh taste.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and a substitute for whipped cream (e.g., coconut cream) for a vegan version.
- Calories: A serving of fruit cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a healthier choice due to the fresh fruits and lower fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cream.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup is an option, and choosing more tart fruits can help balance the flavor.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake? A sweet white wine or a chilled fruit tea will pair excellently with the cake's flavors.

This fruit cake recipe is truly a wonderful example of how you can bring joy and freshness to your plate. Don't forget to share the final result with your loved ones and enjoy every slice. Bon appétit!