Strawberry, peach, and chocolate cake

Refreshing cake with strawberries, peaches, and chocolate: A summer delicacy

A delicious cake is not just a joy for the taste buds, but also a wonderful way to show love and appreciation for loved ones. In this recipe, I will share a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, blending the flavors of strawberries and peaches with chocolate, in an ideal cake for summer days. This recipe was inspired by a special occasion, my husband's birthday, where I wanted to create something truly memorable.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Origin of the recipe
Fruit cakes have a long-standing tradition, prepared in various forms and combinations around the world. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruits with the richness of chocolate, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is a dessert that brings a touch of childhood memories, where every dish was a little celebration.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 milk chocolate (approximately 100 g)

For the cream:
- 500 ml of milk
- 50 g of starch
- 5 egg yolks
- 200 ml of whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 can of peaches (approximately 400 g, with juice)
- 2 sachets of gelatin

For decoration:
- Strawberries (approximately 200 g)
- Ladyfingers (approximately 200 g)
- Juice from the peach can
- 1 sachet of red jelly

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the base
We start with the egg whites. Use a clean, dry bowl to beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny foam. This is the moment when air is incorporated, giving the base a light texture.

Once you have a good foam, add the oil and mix gently, then fold in the sifted flour along with the baking powder. Use a spatula to mix with delicate movements so as not to lose the air from the egg whites.

Divide the mixture in two. In the first half, pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. In the second half, add the melted chocolate (make sure it has cooled slightly) and gently mix. Pour this mixture into the tray, swirling gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.

Bake the base in a preheated oven at 170°C for 25-30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Add the starch and mix well. Once the milk has started to boil, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Put the mixture back on low heat and stir with a whisk until it thickens.

Let the cream cool completely. Meanwhile, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Once the cream has cooled, fold in the whipped cream and hydrated gelatin according to the instructions on the packet. Mix well to obtain a smooth and airy cream.

3. Assembling the cake
Place the cooled base in a springform pan. Lightly soak it with the juice from the peach can to keep it moist and flavorful.

Spread half of the cream over the base, then place the peaches cut into quarters. Add the remaining cream and level it well. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers on top, leaving space between them. Finally, arrange the halved strawberries, interspersing them with the ladyfingers.

4. Finalizing
Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the packet and carefully pour it over the strawberries. This will add a glossy appearance and an extra delicious texture. Leave the cake in the refrigerator overnight to set and allow the flavors to meld.

Serving and suggestions
When you are ready to serve, carefully open the springform pan and decorate the cake with a few whole strawberries for an elegant look. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of prosecco for a special occasion.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also a source of vitamins from the fruits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while peaches provide fiber and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use to avoid excess water in the cake.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free? Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour.
- What else can I add to the cream? You can add vanilla extract or a little rum for an extra flavor boost.

Enjoy! This cake with strawberries, peaches, and chocolate will surely become the star of any festive meal!