Mascarpone cream cake with fruits

Mascarpone and Fruit Cake: A Refined Delight

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Total chilling time: 12 hours
Servings: 10

Welcome to the sweet world of desserts! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a mascarpone and fruit cake, a treat that is sure to impress everyone who tries it. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and combines the creamy texture of mascarpone with the freshness of fruits, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and colors that will enchant your senses.

Before we dive in, let’s familiarize ourselves with the key ingredients of this delicious cake, as well as some tips that will help you achieve a perfect result.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 large package of ladyfingers (about 400 g)
- 2 tubs of mascarpone (400 g)
- 150 ml of heavy cream
- Zest of one large orange
- 7 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 4 packets of classic cappuccino (or instant coffee, if you prefer)
- 1 large orange
- 2-3 mandarins
- Chocolate sauce (for decoration)

Ingredient Tips:
- Mascarpone: Choose a high-quality mascarpone, as it will greatly influence the final taste of the cake. A fresh and creamy option will provide a velvety texture.
- Fruits: You can also use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches, depending on your preferences. Make sure the fruits are ripe to add extra sweetness.
- Cappuccino: If you don’t have cappuccino, instant coffee or freshly brewed coffee can be excellent alternatives.

A Passion for Cooking: A Brief Story
This mascarpone and fruit cake recipe is an adaptation of a classic Italian dessert, with a personal twist that gives it a unique flavor. Inspired by the desire to create something special for my family, I deviated from the original plan and discovered that the best recipes often come from improvisation. This combination of mascarpone and fruits is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for parties or gatherings with friends.

Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the cappuccino: Start by preparing 4 packets of classic cappuccino. Add hot water according to the instructions on the package, mix well, and let it cool. This drink will add a rich flavor and a coffee note to the cake.

2. Whipping the cream: In a large bowl, add the 150 ml of heavy cream and whip with a mixer until it thickens. Be careful not to over-whip it, as it may turn into butter. Well-whipped cream will add volume and airiness to the mixture.

3. Preparing the mascarpone cream: In another bowl, mix the two tubs of mascarpone with 7 tablespoons of powdered sugar, the grated orange zest, and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gradually fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Mix gently to maintain the airiness.

4. Assembling the cake: Prepare a medium-sized dish (I used a glass baking dish) lined with plastic wrap for easier removal of the cake. Dip each ladyfinger into the cappuccino and place them along the sides of the dish, lengthwise.

5. Adding the fruits: At the bottom of the dish, layer slices of orange and kiwi. These fruits will not only add a fresh taste but also provide an attractive presentation. Spread nearly half of the mascarpone cream over the fruits, smoothing it out evenly.

6. The ladyfinger layer: Dip more ladyfingers in cappuccino and cover the first layer of cream. Drizzle the ladyfingers with chocolate sauce for a decadent flavor, then add another thin layer of cream.

7. The final layer: Place slices of mandarin and orange on top, followed by the remaining cream. Cover everything with the last layer of dipped ladyfingers.

8. Chilling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 12 hours. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.

9. Finishing touches: The next day, trim any ladyfinger edges that extend beyond the cake for a neat finish. Invert the cake onto a serving plate and decorate with chocolate sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
This mascarpone and fruit cake can be served on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce to add a sweet-tart contrast. You can also experiment with flavors by adding a bit of almond extract to the cream or using different types of fruits depending on the season.

Nutritional Benefits
This dessert is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients thanks to the fresh fruits. Fruits bring vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while mascarpone provides protein and calcium. However, it’s important to enjoy this dessert in moderation, considering its sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese?: Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with a fine cottage cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
- What type of chocolate sauce is best?: A homemade chocolate sauce made with dark chocolate and cream will add a rich and deep flavor.

This mascarpone and fruit cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings family and friends together, inviting them to savor every bite. So, get ready to wow everyone with this simple yet refined recipe! Enjoy!