Kronstadt Cake

Kronstadt Cake: A Delicacy with Coffee and Candied Fruit Flavor

Who can resist a cake that combines the creaminess of mascarpone with the intense flavor of coffee and the sweetness of candied fruits? Today's recipe, Kronstadt Cake, is a perfect choice for special occasions or simply to indulge your taste buds on ordinary days. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a cooling time of several hours, this impressive dessert will quickly become the star of your table.

Number of servings: 12
Total time: 4 hours (30 minutes preparation + 3 hours cooling)

Ingredients:

- 500 g mascarpone
- 500 g fruit yogurt (choose a favorite flavor, such as strawberries or peaches)
- 300 g ladyfingers
- 2 cups of coffee (brewed, with sugar and milk to taste)
- 2 essences of rum
- 3 sachets of gelatin
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of blackberry jam
- A few candied plums (or other candied fruits, such as apricots or raisins)
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 30 g dark chocolate (for sauce)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the cake base
Start by preparing a springform pan, which you will use to assemble the Kronstadt Cake. Arrange the ladyfingers in the pan, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Use a pastry brush to soak the ladyfingers with coffee (about 2 tablespoons from the 2 cups brewed) and add the rum essences. This step will add a depth of flavor that will make the cake irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the cream
In a large bowl, mix the mascarpone cream with the fruit yogurt. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, rehydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet, then incorporate it into the mascarpone cream. This gelatin will ensure a firm and creamy texture for the cake.

Step 3: Assemble the cake
Pour the cream over the ladyfingers, leveling it with a spatula. On top of the cream, add the blackberry jam, spreading it evenly. This layer will provide a burst of flavor and a touch of color to the cake.

Step 4: Prepare the coffee jelly
In a bowl, combine the two cups of coffee with two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of milk. Add the rehydrated gelatin and mix well until completely dissolved. Pour the coffee mixture over the mascarpone cream in the pan. Add a few candied plums or other candied fruits on top for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Cool the cake
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours (3-4 hours is ideal). This cooling time is essential for the gelatin to set and the cake to firm up.

Step 6: Finish the cake
Once the cake has cooled and set, carefully release it by removing the sides of the pan. Before serving, prepare the chocolate sauce: melt the dark chocolate and mix it with cream until you achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle the cake with the chocolate sauce and decorate with the remaining ladyfingers, cut into smaller pieces, for an attractive presentation.

Serving suggestions:
The Kronstadt Cake is served cold, ideally alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would perfectly complement this dessert.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of yogurt, choosing your favorite fruit-flavored one.
- If you don't have gelatin on hand, you can substitute it with another thickening agent, such as agar-agar, making sure to follow the specified instructions for use.
- Replace the blackberry jam with other types of jam, such as raspberry or sour cherry, to change the cake's flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I use instead of mascarpone?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or a combination of ricotta and cream.

2. Can the Kronstadt Cake be made a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the cake sit overnight in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors, and the texture will be even better.

3. Can the Kronstadt Cake be frozen?
Yes, but it is recommended not to add the chocolate sauce before freezing. You can add it after thawing, before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
- Mascarpone is a good source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health.
- Fruit yogurt provides a boost of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.
- Candied plums are rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system.

This Kronstadt Cake is an excellent choice for any sweet tooth, offering a perfect balance between textures and flavors. With each slice, you will discover a combination of taste that will make you return to this recipe again and again. Enjoy cooking and savor every moment!