fruit cake with honey cream

Fruit and Honey Cream Cake: A Refreshing Delight

The fruit and honey cream cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. This dessert is not only delicious but also a true explosion of fresh flavors that will delight your senses. Whether you are hosting a party, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 3 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 75 g flour
- 75 g starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the Cream:
- 400 ml liquid cream
- 100 ml honey (ideally slightly warmed for better fluidity)
- Juice from one orange (approximately 200 ml)
- 200 g cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 10 g gelatin (5 sheets)

Additionally:
- 20 ladyfingers
- A large can of fruit compote (make sure it contains a variety of fruits for a colorful presentation)

Preparing the Base

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven well heated to achieve a fluffy and well-risen base.

2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you obtain a firm foam. This step is essential to give the base an airy texture.

3. Add the yolks one by one, continuing to mix well after each addition. Make sure they are completely incorporated before adding the next one.

4. Sift the flour, starch, and baking powder and gradually add them to the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to retain the air from the egg whites.

5. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes. It should pass the toothpick test – it should come out clean.

Preparing the Cream

1. Drain the fruits from the compote and keep the juice. It’s good to have a variety of fruits, such as peaches, pineapple, cherries, or pears, to add color and texture to the cake.

2. Soak the gelatin in half of the compote juice you reserved. You will use the other half to soak the base.

3. Whip the cream with the vanilla sugar and, if necessary, add a tablespoon of granulated sugar for extra sweetness.

4. Mix the honey (slightly warmed) with the strained orange juice, add the cream cheese, and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

5. Melt the gelatin with 1-2 tablespoons of compote juice over very low heat (without boiling), let it cool slightly, then add it to the cream cheese and honey mixture. Mix well.

6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the previous mixture using a spatula to retain the air from the cream.

Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare a springform pan (or a bowl lined with cling film). Place the base in the pan and soak it with the compote juice.

2. Add the fruits from the compote over the soaked base, distributing them evenly.

3. Pour the honey and cream cheese mixture over the fruits and level it with a spatula.

4. Cover with cling film and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to set well.

Decorating the Cake

1. When the cake is ready, remove it from the refrigerator and carefully remove the ring or turn it out of the bowl.

2. Decorate the edges with ladyfingers (you can brush them with a little honey to stick better).

3. Top with whipped cream and a few fresh fruits for a more attractive appearance.

Suggestions and Tips

- Variations: You can try adding a layer of melted chocolate between the cake base and the cream cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Fruits: Use seasonal or frozen fruits, depending on your preferences.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This fruit and honey cream cake is not only a delicious choice but also brings nutritional benefits. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while cream cheese provides protein and calcium. Honey is a natural sweetener full of beneficial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone, but the texture will be different.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of honey and sugar, depending on your preferences.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with vegan cheese alternatives and egg substitutes.

The fruit and honey cream cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that combines the fluffy texture of the base with the natural sweetness of the fruits and the creaminess of the cheese. Take the time to prepare and enjoy it with your loved ones!