Refreshing summer fruit cake

Cool Summer Fruit Cake

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings an explosion of fresh flavors while being light and refreshing at the same time? The cool summer fruit cake is the perfect choice for a scorching summer day or any special occasion, bringing joy and flavor in every slice. This simple yet delicious recipe combines a fluffy base with a smooth yogurt cream and appetizing fruits, offering a culinary experience you won't forget anytime soon. Let's embark on the adventure of making this wonderful cake!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 300 g full-fat yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 packet gelatin
- Sugar to taste (from 2 to 5 tablespoons, depending on preference)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Fresh fruits (e.g., cherries, apricots, raspberries, or any seasonal fruits)
- A few small round ladyfingers (optional, for extra texture)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base, so don't skip it!
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and the mixture becomes shiny and firm.
- Incorporate the yolks and oil, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the egg mixture, pouring it in a rain-like fashion, and gently fold in with up-and-down movements to avoid losing air in the base.
- Pour the mixture into a round cake pan with a removable bottom, lined with baking paper or greased with oil and sprinkled with flour.
- Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Check if it's done with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the base is perfect!

2. Cooling the base:
- After baking, let the base cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Preparing the cream:
- In a bowl, mix the liquid cream with the yogurt, sugar, and vanilla sugar until you obtain a smooth and fluffy mixture. It is important for the cream to be cold to whip well.
- In another small bowl, soak the gelatin in cold water according to the instructions on the package, then gently heat it until it completely melts. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the yogurt cream.
- Pour the melted gelatin over the yogurt cream and mix again to incorporate it evenly.
- Clean and chop the fruits into small pieces. Add them to the yogurt cream, gently mixing to distribute them evenly. You can use seasonal fruits, and the combination of cherries, apricots, and raspberries is absolutely delicious!

4. Assembling the cake:
- Place the cooled base back in the cake pan, which you can wrap in cling film to prevent sticking.
- Pour the yogurt cream over the base, leveling it with a spatula. Ensure it is evenly distributed.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let the cake chill in the refrigerator to set for at least 8 hours, but ideally overnight.

5. Serving:
- Remove the cake from the mold and decorate it as desired. You can use whole fruits, mint leaves, or even grated chocolate for a more elegant look.
- Serve it chilled, alongside a glass of sparkling water or a cold fruit tea for a refreshing experience!

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation. This helps achieve a uniform texture.
- If you want an even more aromatic cake, you can add a bit of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the yogurt cream.
- The cake can be customized with different types of fruits, so feel free to experiment!
- If you don't have gelatin, you can use agar-agar as an alternative to achieve a similar cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This cool summer fruit cake is not only delicious but also healthy! Yogurt adds a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, while fresh fruits are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a dessert that not only enhances your taste but also your well-being!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, frozen fruits can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cream.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and choose more tart fruits, such as raspberries or currants.

3. What is the best storage method?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to grab the ingredients and enjoy a truly special dessert. Bon appétit!