Peach Cake

Delicious Peach and Egg Cream Cake

The perfect treat for a summer afternoon or a dessert that brings joy at any time of the day, this peach and egg cream cake is all you need to delight the taste buds of your loved ones. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of tea or as a dessert after dinner, the combination of fluffy dough, juicy peaches, and a smooth cream makes it a true delight. Let’s venture into the world of cooking and discover together the necessary steps to achieve the perfect cake!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the Dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 85 g sugar (2 tablespoons for the starter and the rest for the dough)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon (to give a fresh taste)

*For the Cream:*
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

*For Decoration:*
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for an elegant finish)

*For Topping:*
- 6 large fresh peaches (pitted and sliced)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Starter:
Start by preparing the starter. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar from the 85 g. It is important for the yeast to become liquefied, so mix well. Then, pour in a little lukewarm milk (not hot, as it can kill the yeast) and 2 tablespoons of flour. Homogenize the mixture and let it rise for 10-15 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

2. Sifting the Flour:
Sifting the flour is an essential step to achieve a fluffy dough. Therefore, sift 500 g of flour into a large bowl. Add the salt, lemon zest, and soft butter. This will add a rich flavor and pleasant texture to the cake.

3. Combining Ingredients:
After the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with flour. Gradually pour in the remaining lukewarm milk and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important to knead the dough well for about 10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will make the cake fluffy. After kneading, cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 40 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.

4. Preparing the Baking Tray:
Once the dough has risen, grease a baking tray (25 x 35 cm) with a little oil and line it with parchment paper. This step will ensure that the cake releases easily after baking.

5. Arranging the Dough and Peaches:
Spread the dough evenly in the tray with your hands. Arrange the peach slices on top of the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed. The aroma of fresh peaches is essential to give the cake a fresh and delicious taste.

6. The Cream:
In a bowl, beat the 4 eggs with the remaining sugar and vanilla sugar until dissolved. Add the whipping cream and mix well. This cream will provide extra richness to the cake.

7. Assembling and Baking:
Pour the cream mixture over the peaches, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and Decorating:
Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance and sweet taste.

9. Serving:
Cut the cake into squares and serve it warm or cold. You can add a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Practical Tips:
- Choose well-ripened peaches for a sweet and juicy flavor.
- You can use other fruits instead of peaches, such as apricots or plums, to vary the recipe.
- If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs and cream, and the peaches add fiber and essential vitamins. Whole grain flour can be used for a healthier version, providing extra nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

3. Can I add nuts or other ingredients?
Absolutely! Ground nuts or chocolate chips can add an interesting flavor and a crunchy texture.

I wish you good luck in cooking, and remember, every cake has a story. Yours will be a sweet one filled with joy!