Peach Cake

Fluffy cake with caramelized peaches and mandarin liqueur

Are you looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe that will impress with its taste? I invite you to discover how to prepare a fluffy, delicate cake, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack! This cake is enriched with caramelized peaches and a splash of mandarin liqueur, giving it a unique flavor. I will present to you step by step all the details needed to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 3 fresh eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon of cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 1 tablespoon of mandarin liqueur
- 2 or 3 peaches
- 2 tablespoons of peach jam or preserves
- Cinnamon and powdered sugar for decoration
- Pistachios (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of water with mandarin liqueur and sugar to taste for syrup

A short story about the recipe:
The cake is a classic dessert, appreciated in many cultures for its fluffy texture and versatility of ingredients. This peach cake recipe draws inspiration from culinary traditions that emphasize the fresh flavors of fruits, bringing them to the forefront. Additionally, the mandarin liqueur adds an elegant touch, making this cake a perfect choice for special moments.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the batter: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a splash of lemon juice. Gradually add the 5 tablespoons of sugar, continuously mixing until you obtain a frothy composition, similar to meringue. Ensure that no sugar crystals remain; it is essential that the texture is smooth and airy.

2. Combining the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil, the packet of vanilla, and the lemon zest. This mixture will add delicious flavors and moisture to the cake.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites, carefully folding them in. Use a spatula and mix from the bottom up to preserve the air in the egg whites.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder directly into the egg mixture. Gently mix, being careful not to deflate the batter. Finally, add the tablespoon of mandarin liqueur, which will enhance the cake's flavor.

5. Preparing the pan: Grease a cake pan with oil and flour, ensuring it is well covered to prevent sticking.

6. Preparing the peaches: Peel the peaches and cut them in half. Fill each half with peach jam and dust them with cinnamon. Carefully place them into the cake batter, giving it an appealing presentation.

7. Baking: Sprinkle a little cinnamon and granulated sugar over the cake, and if desired, add chopped pistachios. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 40 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar and, if you like, moisten it with a syrup made from water, sugar, and mandarin liqueur. This will add a pleasant moisture and a unique flavor.

Tips and variations:
- If you don't have mandarin liqueur on hand, you can use any other citrus liqueur or even freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Instead of peaches, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as apricots, plums, or even apples.
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for an extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional values:
This peach cake recipe contains approximately 250 calories per slice (depending on the serving size and additional ingredients). It is a good source of carbohydrates, and the peaches add vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, but make sure to let them thaw completely and drain well before adding them to the batter.
- How can I tell if the cake is done? You can check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Also, the edges should be slightly pulled away from the pan.
- Can I prepare this cake in advance? Yes, it keeps well at room temperature, covered, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, but I recommend consuming it fresh for the best texture.

I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it according to your preferences! Whether you enjoy it in the morning with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!