Fruit cake with whipped cream

Fruit and Whipped Cream Cake – A Refreshing and Colorful Indulgence

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12

Who can resist a fruit and whipped cream cake? This delight is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an explosion of color and freshness. It is the perfect dessert for a summer day, a gathering with friends, or simply to indulge after a long day. This exotic fruit cake is easy to make, and the combination of fresh fruits and whipped cream makes it an ideal choice for any occasion. Let’s open the door to a memorable culinary experience, step by step!

A Brief History of Fruit Cakes

Fruit cakes have a long history, inspired by cooking traditions from various cultures. They have evolved over the years, from simple fruit pies to elaborate works of art, decorated with whipped cream and refined glazes. Refreshing and full of flavor, fruit cakes are now a symbol of celebrations and family gatherings. Each bite offers an incredible combination of textures and flavors, making them a universal favorite.

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

For the filling:
- 2 mandarins
- 2 oranges
- 2 kiwis
- 1 can of pineapple
- 5 g gelatin
- 300 g whipped cream (for filling)

For decoration:
- 300-400 g whipped cream (for decoration)
- Fresh fruits (for decorating)

Details about Ingredients

- Eggs: Choose fresh eggs from a trusted source. Eggs contribute to the structure of the base and provide moisture.
- Sugar: Either white or brown sugar can be used, depending on preferences. Sugar adds not only sweetness but also texture to the bases.
- Oil: Oil adds moisture and helps achieve a fluffy base. Sunflower or canola oil are the most suitable.
- Flour: Use white wheat flour for a soft base. If you want a deeper flavor, you can experiment with whole wheat flour.
- Gelatin: It is essential for keeping the fruit and cream mixture compact. Make sure to dissolve it properly to avoid lumps.
- Fruits: Choose seasonal fruits to benefit from the best flavors. Fresh fruits are the key to a delicious and colorful cake.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Beating the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs together with the 12 tablespoons of sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color.
3. Adding Dry Ingredients: Gently incorporate the 7 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and the vanilla essence, mixing lightly to avoid lumps.
4. Incorporating the Oil: Add the 6 tablespoons of oil and mix gently until the composition becomes homogeneous.
5. Baking the Base: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle – it should come out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Cleaning the Fruits: While the base is baking, peel the mandarins, oranges, and kiwi, cutting them into small cubes. Leave them in a strainer to drain.
2. Preparing the Gelatin: In a small bowl, soak 5 g of gelatin in 3 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then dissolve the gelatin over a steam bath, stirring constantly.
3. Mixing the Fruits: Once the gelatin has dissolved, add it over the drained fruits and mix well. Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for 25-30 minutes to set slightly.

Step 3: Beating the Whipped Cream

1. Beating the Whipped Cream: In a cold bowl, whip the 300 g of whipped cream. Make sure the cream is well chilled to achieve firm peaks. Beat until soft peaks form.
2. Combining: After the fruit mixture has cooled, combine it with the whipped cream, mixing gently to preserve the airiness.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Cooling the Base: After the base has baked, let it cool completely on a cooling rack. Once cooled, carefully cut it into three layers.
2. Soaking the Base: Using the juice from the can of pineapple, soak each layer of the base to keep it moist and flavorful.
3. Filling the Cake: Place the first layer of the base on a serving platter, add some of the fruit and cream mixture, then repeat this step for the other layers.
4. Decoration: After completing the cake, decorate it with the remaining whipped cream and fresh fruits as desired. You can use slices of kiwi, mandarins, and oranges for an attractive look.

My Personal Tip

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a few fresh mint leaves between the layers of cake or as decoration. Mint will bring a note of freshness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Of course! You can experiment with any favorite fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or mango.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. Make sure it does not have direct contact with air to avoid drying out.
3. Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by replacing the eggs with a vegan substitute and using plant-based whipped cream.

Delicious Combinations

This fruit and whipped cream cake pairs perfectly with fresh lemonade, iced tea, or a glass of sparkling wine. It is ideal for serving at parties, where it will surely be a focal point.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake offers an excellent combination of vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh fruits. It also contains carbohydrates from sugar and flour, which provide energy. The whipped cream adds a touch of healthy fats, but for a lighter option, choose plant-based whipped cream.

Conclusion

This fruit and whipped cream cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of happiness to any moment. With each bite, you will discover new flavors and diverse textures, turning every moment into a celebration. Feel free to experiment with various combinations of fruits and share this dessert with your loved ones to spread joy and well-being around you.

Enjoy cooking and savor every step of this creative process!