Fruit cake

Fruit Cake – an explosion of freshness and flavor

The fruit cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, a party, or simply a weekend day when you want to treat yourself. This dessert not only looks spectacular, but it's also a lighter option, thanks to its simple ingredients and creamy, smooth texture. Preparing it is a true pleasure, and the final result will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (or overnight, if you have patience)
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 200 g butter biscuits (preferably Digestive or Petit Beurre)
- 100 g baking margarine
- 2 and a half tablespoons of powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

For the filling:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 250 ml liquid cream (you can opt for cream with 35% fat for better stability)
- 250 g fruit puree (you can use strawberries, raspberries, or red currants)
- 100 ml orange juice
- 6 sheets of gelatin

For the topping:
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 250 ml orange juice
- red powdered gelatin (according to package instructions)

Preparing the fruit cake:

1. Preparing the biscuit base:
Start by crushing the biscuits. If you have a food processor, this process will be quick and efficient. If not, don't worry! You can put the biscuits in a sealed bag and crush them manually with a rolling pin or a brick. The goal is to obtain a fine mixture without large chunks.

2. Melting the margarine:
In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Be careful not to let it boil. Once melted, add the crushed biscuits and mix well to coat them evenly with the margarine.

3. Forming the cake base:
Place a cake ring on a platter. Pour the biscuit mixture into the ring, pressing it firmly with a potato masher or spatula. Make sure the base is even and well compacted. Put the platter in the fridge to harden for about 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, add the mascarpone cream and mix it with a mixer until smooth. In another container, dissolve the gelatin in the boiled orange juice, but do not let it boil. Mix the dissolved gelatin into the mascarpone cream, adding the fruit puree and powdered sugar.

5. Incorporating the whipped cream:
Whip the liquid cream until stiff, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture, being careful to maintain the air in the composition.

6. Assembling the cake:
Remove the base from the fridge and pour the mascarpone filling over the biscuits. Smooth the surface with a spatula and put the cake back in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or until it is completely set.

7. Preparing the topping:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the red gelatin topping according to the package instructions. Let it cool slightly so it doesn't melt the cake filling when poured.

8. Decorating the cake:
Whip the remaining 250 ml of liquid cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and use a piping bag to decorate the cake with dollops of cream. Carefully pour the red gelatin over the cake and leave it back in the fridge to set.

9. Serving:
Once the cake is well chilled and the gelatin has set, remove it from the ring and decorate it with decorative candies or fresh fruits for an extra splash of color and texture.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits for a more intense taste and aroma.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can incorporate a few drops of vanilla essence into the mascarpone cream.
- The cake can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed on the first day.

Nutritional benefits:
This fruit cake is a source of vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh fruits. The mascarpone cream adds calcium and healthy fats, while the biscuits provide energy through carbohydrates.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fruits? Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits!
- Is it difficult to work with gelatin? No, just make sure to follow the instructions on the package and don't let it boil.
- How can I make the cake vegan? Replace the mascarpone with a plant-based alternative and use plant-based cream.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or flavored coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can turn the dessert into an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, the fruit cake is a versatile dessert, full of flavor and freshness, that will bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its aromas! Enjoy!