Seasonal fruit cake

Seasonal Fruit Cake: A Refreshing Delicacy for Special Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

I invite you to discover a seasonal fruit cake recipe together, a perfect combination of fluffy sponge, fine vanilla cream, and delicious cherry jelly. This dessert not only pleases the eye but also delights the taste buds, making it ideal for warm days or to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

The history of this cake has its roots in culinary traditions of using seasonal fruits, which add freshness and flavor. Thus, I invite you to unleash your creativity and experiment with the fruits you have on hand.

Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 5 egg whites (preferably kept in the freezer)
- A pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of shredded coconut
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Fresh raspberries (quantity to taste)

For the cherry jelly:
- 500 g fresh or frozen cherries
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 packet of gelatin

For the vanilla cream:
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 200 ml milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- 200 g sweet cottage cheese

We also need:
- 15 ladyfingers
- Syrup for soaking (you can use fruit syrup, such as strawberry syrup)
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered vanilla sugar
- Seasonal fruits for decoration: raspberries, black currants, cherries

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, and baking powder. These ingredients will give the sponge a light texture and aromatic flavor.

3. Combining the mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a bottom-to-top motion to retain the air in the mixture.

4. Baking: Line a round baking pan with parchment paper, pour in the sponge mixture, and level it. Sprinkle the raspberries on top for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let the sponge cool completely.

5. Preparing the vanilla cream: In a saucepan, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the cornstarch and milk, mixing continuously. Place the mixture over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens like pudding. Let the cream cool, then incorporate the cottage cheese, mixing well to achieve a smooth texture.

6. Preparing the cherry jelly: Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and add the sugar. Set them aside to release their juice. Meanwhile, hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions. Place the cherries over low heat for 5 minutes, then add the hydrated gelatin and mix well until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it begins to set.

7. Assembling the cake: Place the cooled sponge on a serving plate, surrounded by a removable ring. Pour the slightly set cherry jelly over the sponge, being careful not to let it spill. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, then pour the vanilla cream over the jelly.

8. Soaking the ladyfingers: Prepare a syrup from your favorite fruits and dip the ladyfingers in this syrup. Carefully place them over the vanilla cream, forming an even layer.

9. Preparing the whipped cream: Whip the heavy cream with the powdered vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

10. Decorating: Remove the cake from the fridge, take off the removable ring, and add some dollops of whipped cream on top of the ladyfingers. Garnish with fresh seasonal fruits: raspberries, black currants, and cherries, giving it a vibrant and appetizing appearance.

11. Serving: Keep the cake in the fridge until serving. Cut it into generous slices and enjoy it with a cup of iced tea or a glass of fresh lemonade.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different fruits depending on the season. Peaches, strawberries, or blackberries are equally delicious.
- Make sure the sponge is completely cool before adding the vanilla cream to avoid melting.
- If you want a lighter cake, you can reduce the sugar in the jelly, especially if using sweeter fruits.

Nutritional benefits:
This seasonal fruit cake is an excellent choice for a dessert as it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh fruits. The coconut adds healthy fats, while the cottage cheese contributes valuable proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but make sure to let them thaw before preparation.
- How can I make the cake faster? You can skip the cherry jelly and just use the vanilla cream and fresh fruits for a quick dessert.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? Fresh lemonade or iced fruit tea are excellent choices to complement this dessert.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create a wonderful cake filled with colors and flavors! Enjoy!