Peach and Strawberry Cake -2-

Peach and Strawberry Cake - The Sweet Delight of Summer

Who doesn't love a cake that brings a smile to their face and delights their taste buds? The peach and strawberry cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthday parties to gatherings with friends. This quick and simple dessert brings together the most delicious seasonal fruits, and its creamy texture is a true feast for the senses.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 2 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 50 g flour
- 10 g cocoa
- a pinch of salt

*For the first layer (with peaches):*
- 200 g canned peaches (you can also use fresh peaches, depending on the season)
- 200 g yogurt (choose Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 200 g liquid cream
- 1 packet of gelatin (about 10 g)
- 70 g sugar

*For the second layer (with strawberries):*
- 200 g strawberries (either fresh or canned)
- 200 g yogurt
- 200 g liquid cream
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 70 g sugar

Recipe history:
Fruit cakes have evolved over time, influenced by the season and available ingredients. Combining peaches with strawberries has become popular due to the perfect balance between the sweetness of peaches and the acidity of strawberries. This cake is not just a dessert, but an explosion of flavors that evokes summer memories.

Step by step to achieve a perfect result:

1. Preparing the base:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and salt for about 20 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and triples in volume. This step is essential for getting a fluffy base!
- Sift the flour and cocoa to eliminate any lumps. Gradually add them to the egg mixture, gently stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid losing air.
- Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

2. Preparing the fruit layers:
- For the first layer, mash the peaches with a fork and mix them with the sugar and yogurt in a bowl.
- Soak the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water, then heat it in a double boiler until it becomes liquid. Add the gelatin to the peach mixture.
- Whip the cream until stiff and gently fold it into the peach mixture. It is essential to mix gently to keep the air in the cream.
- Once the base has cooled, place it on a platter and pour the peach mixture on top. Refrigerate the cake for about 1 hour to set.

3. Preparing the strawberry layer:
- Repeat the above steps for the strawberries. Mash them, mix with sugar and yogurt, add the soaked gelatin, and finally fold in the whipped cream.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the peach layer, ensuring it spreads evenly. Refrigerate the cake again, this time for at least 4 hours to set completely.

4. Serving the cake:
- After the cake has cooled, remove the detachable ring from the pan and decorate it with a little cocoa, a few fresh cherries, and whipped cream. It's a simple way to add an elegant touch.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more flavorful cake, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the yogurt mixture.
- For an even more intense flavor, replace some of the sugar with honey.
- Make sure the base is completely cooled before adding the fruit layers; otherwise, they may combine, and you'll lose distinct layers.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with cherries, raspberries, or even mango, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the cake healthier? Use low-fat yogurt and replace sugar with a natural sweetener.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A refreshing mint iced tea or fresh lemonade are excellent choices.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, being a good source of vitamin C from the fruits. The yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

The peach and strawberry cake is not just a visual delight but also an unforgettable taste experience. Try this recipe and let the flavors of summer carry you away! It may become your favorite dessert to make over and over again.