Gingerbread with peaches and oranges

Peach and Orange Gingerbread - a nostalgic and adapted recipe

Who doesn't remember the warm and joyful moments spent in mom's kitchen? This peach and orange gingerbread recipe is a return to those unforgettable moments, with a modern twist that adds a fresh and delicious touch. So, get ready for a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Essential ingredients:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- Flour, as needed to achieve a sponge-like dough
- Canned peaches, cut into thicker slices
- 1 packet of jelly powder
- 250 ml of syrup from the canned fruit (for jelly)
- 1 orange, peeled and diced

History of the recipe:
Gingerbread is a traditional dessert that has captured the hearts of many over time. Its versatility allows for the addition of various ingredients, and each housewife puts her personal touch on the recipe. In our case, peaches and oranges add a refreshing note and an unmistakable flavor, turning the dessert into a delicacy you won't forget easily.

Preparing the delicious gingerbread:

Step 1: Melting the sugar
Start by placing 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help the sugar melt evenly. You will see it slowly transform into a golden syrup that brings a delicious aroma.

Step 2: Adding the water
Once the sugar has completely melted, carefully add 1 cup of water and mix well. It is important to be cautious, as the mixture will boil! Let it boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat and let the syrup cool.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
After the syrup has cooled, in a large bowl, add the oil, the activated baking powder (you can use vinegar or lemon juice to activate it), the rum essence, and the flour. Mix everything until you achieve a homogeneous dough, similar to sponge cake. The flour will be added gradually to ensure the desired consistency.

Step 4: Preparing the baking pan
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can use a round or rectangular pan, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Pour the dough into the pan and level it evenly. Then, add the slices of canned peaches, arranging them nicely on the surface of the dough. They will add not only flavor but also moisture to the dessert, turning it into a syrupy delight.

Step 6: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 40-50 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

Step 7: Preparing the jelly
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the jelly. Follow the instructions on the jelly packet, but replace the water with the syrup from the canned fruit. Add only a tablespoon of sugar, so it doesn't become too sweet. Mix well, then add the diced orange before pouring the mixture over the warm cake.

Step 8: Finalizing
Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly. Then, pour the orange jelly evenly over the cake. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature and then refrigerate it for a few hours, so the jelly sets.

Step 9: Serving
When ready, slice the cake and serve with great pleasure! It is delicious and can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect contrast.

Useful tips:
1. If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
2. You can replace peaches with other canned fruits, such as pineapple or pears, to experiment with different flavors.
3. If you want to add a crunchy note, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or almonds on top of the cake before baking.

Nutritional benefits:
This peach and orange gingerbread is an excellent choice for a vegan dessert, being rich in fiber and vitamins due to the fruits. Peaches provide a significant amount of vitamin C, while oranges are an excellent source of antioxidants. Additionally, the added oil provides essential fatty acids, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes, of course! Make sure they are well ripe, and you can add them in the same way as the canned ones.

- Is it necessary to use jelly?
The jelly is what keeps the dessert moist and syrupy, but you can skip this step if you prefer a simpler cake sprinkled only with coconut.

- Can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free?
Sure! Use gluten-free flour, and the dough will turn out just as tasty and healthy.

This peach and orange gingerbread recipe is not just a simple cake, but a true culinary story that will transport you back in time. So, put on your apron, bring your good mood to work, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!