Kitty Cake

Kitty Cake - A Delightful Yogurt Cake with Fruit Cocktail

The Kitty Cake is a perfect choice for any special occasion, especially for birthdays or children's parties. This yogurt diplomat cake with fruit cocktail is not only delicious but also an explosion of colors and flavors, dressed in fondant that gives it a festive appearance. Every time I make it, I remember my daughter's birthday, when I realized how much details can mean. Let's venture into the world of this fascinating cake and discover how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake base:
- 400 g ladyfingers (make sure they are of good quality to absorb the syrup well)
- 300 ml syrup from the fruit cocktail (you can use syrup from canned fruit or make it at home)

For the cream:
- 2 cans of fruit cocktail (about 400 g each, preferably with assorted fruits)
- 400 g yogurt (you can opt for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 500 ml whipped cream (use liquid cream, not whipped)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar (adjust the amount according to your taste, depending on the sweetness of the fruits)
- 3 packets of gelatin (about 30 g)

For decoration:
- Fondant (optional, but recommended for a festive look)
- Fresh or candied fruits for decoration

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base: Start by preparing the fruit syrup. If using canned syrup, drain the fruits and keep the syrup. If you want to make it at home, boil some pieces of fruit with water and sugar, then let it cool. Soak the ladyfingers in the fruit syrup, making sure they are well soaked but not excessively soft. Place a first layer of ladyfingers in a detachable wall pan, 28 cm in diameter.

2. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, add the gelatin to 200 ml of fruit syrup and let it soak for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the yogurt with the sugar until creamy and smooth. In another container, whip the cream until firm. Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture to avoid losing air.

3. Adding the fruits: After the gelatin has soaked, heat it in a double boiler (or on low heat) until completely dissolved, being careful not to boil it. Add the dissolved gelatin to the yogurt and cream mixture, mixing quickly to combine. Add the drained fruits, carefully mixing to avoid crushing them.

4. Assembling the cake: Pour half of the yogurt and fruit cream over the first layer of ladyfingers. Place another layer of ladyfingers soaked in fruit syrup, then pour the remaining cream. Smooth the top well and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the cream sets.

5. Decorating: After the cake has set, it's time to decorate. If you want to cover it with fondant, make sure the surface is smooth. You can use a mix of fresh or candied fruits to add a splash of color and texture.

Practical Tips:
- If you don't have time to wait for the cake to cool completely, you can leave it in the freezer for an hour.
- You can experiment with different types of yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess, while natural yogurt offers a lighter, tangy taste.
- Gelatin can be replaced with agar-agar for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional Benefits:
The Kitty Cake brings a combination of protein from yogurt and cream, along with vitamins and antioxidants from fruits. It is a dessert that, in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruits for this cake?
Yes, you can experiment with any type of fruit you prefer! Berries, peaches, or plums are excellent options.

2. What can I do if I don't have gelatin?
You can use a vegetarian substitute, such as agar-agar, which behaves similarly in preparation.

3. How can I make the cake look more festive?
Fondant is an excellent choice, but you can also use colored whipped cream, melted chocolate, or fresh fruits for an attractive presentation.

Serving:
The Kitty Cake is served cold, ideally alongside a glass of natural fruit juice or iced tea. It is a dessert that will surely bring a smile to your guests' faces!

This cake is not just a dessert, but a story in itself, full of memories and beautiful moments. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the Kitty Cake will always bring joy around the table. Savor every bite and let your imagination run wild!