Mini Diplomat Cake

Mini Diplomat Cake: A Delightful Treat Easy to Prepare

A mini diplomat cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings or simply to add a touch of sweetness to your day. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, combining a fluffy sponge with a delicious cream and aromatic fruits. Throughout this guide, I will explain step by step how to create this cake that will impress, starting with the necessary ingredients and ending with useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- Vanilla essence (optional, but recommended for a richer taste)

For the cream:
- 400 ml of liquid cream
- A handful of raisins
- Rum essence
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- A small can of pineapple (about 200 g)
- One natural yogurt (3.5% fat)
- 8 g of gelatin
- 100 ml of cream for decoration

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sponge:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks in a large bowl. It is important for the bowl to be clean and dry to obtain a good foam.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevents lumps from forming.
- Beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until a stiff foam forms. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.
- Incorporate the yolks, previously mixed with a tablespoon of vanilla essence, gently folding from the bottom up with a spatula or wooden spoon. This will keep the air in the batter, ensuring a fluffy sponge.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, continuing to mix gently.
- Pour the obtained mixture into a greased and floured baking pan (my pan measures 30 cm in length and 20 cm in width). Bake at medium heat for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready. Let it cool well before cutting.

2. Preparing the cream:
- While the sponge is baking, you can prepare the cream. In a small pot, put 2 tablespoons of sugar with a little water to melt. Add the rum essence and raisins, letting them swell for about 30 minutes.
- Hydrate the gelatin in 50 ml of water, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Then, melt it over low heat or in a double boiler, being careful not to boil it.
- Whip the liquid cream until it becomes stiff, then combine the natural yogurt with the powdered sugar and melted gelatin. Fold the mixture into the whipped cream, adding the drained pineapple and the hydrated raisins.
- Mix everything carefully so that you do not lose the air in the cream.

3. Assembling the cake:
- After the sponge has cooled, cut it into 3 equal strips. Soak each strip with the water in which the raisins were soaked, then spread each layer with the prepared cream.
- Stack the layers on top of each other to form the cake. Cover it with 100 ml of whipped cream for an elegant look and to add a delicious final touch.

Serving suggestions:
- You can decorate the cake with slices of pineapple or a few raisins for an even more attractive look.
- Serve it alongside a cup of fruit tea or cold lemonade for a refreshing experience.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can replace the pineapple with other canned fruits, such as peaches or cherries, to create a customized version of the cake.
- If you want a more aromatic cake, you can add a little cinnamon to the sponge mixture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of mini diplomat cake contains approximately 280-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and portioning. This delicacy is also a source of protein from eggs and yogurt, as well as healthy fats from cream. The fruits add vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a delicious and balanced dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based cream instead of liquid cream? Yes, but make sure it is of high quality to achieve a similar texture.
- What can I do if I don't have gelatin? You can use agar-agar powder as a vegan alternative, being careful to follow the instructions on the package.
- How long can the cake be kept? It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is most delicious when consumed fresh.

In conclusion, the mini diplomat cake is a versatile dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a fluffy sponge and delicious cream, this quick and simple recipe will surely become your favorite. Don't hesitate to experiment with different fruits and flavors to give it a personal touch! Enjoy!