Summer Fruit Cake

Summer Fruit Cake - a Fresh Delight for Warm Days

The Summer Fruit Cake is a true explosion of flavors and colors, perfect for celebrating sunny summer days. This delicious cake not only delights the taste buds but also pleases the eye, adorned with the freshest seasonal fruits. Whether you choose juicy peaches, fragrant nectarines, tart cherries, or sweet raspberries, each option will add a personal touch to this dessert. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 10

Ingredients

For the cake base:
- 6 eggs
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla (or one teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 3 tablespoons of mascarpone
- 1.5 - 2 cups of flour (the batter should be thicker than sour cream)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Fruits (2 bowls full): peaches, nectarines, raspberries, cherries

For the cream:
- 250 ml of liquid cream
- 500 g of mascarpone (one container)
- Sugar to taste
- Vanilla (optional)

For decoration:
- Fresh fruits (as desired)

A Bit of History

This fresh fruit cake is inspired by summer traditions when gardens and local markets are filled with delicious fruits. Its origins lie in the desire to bring nature to the table, combining a light and tasty base with the most aromatic fruits. It is the dessert that brings family and friends together around a table, enjoying every flavorful bite.

Preparing the Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them on high speed for 5-6 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and pale.

2. Incorporate the mascarpone: Add the 3 tablespoons of mascarpone and continue mixing for another minute until well combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gently fold them into the egg mixture using a spatula. The batter should be thicker than sour cream but not so dense that it won’t flow.

Step 2: Preparing the Baking Pan

4. Prepare the pan: Choose a springform cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake.

5. Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 3: Arranging the Fruits

6. Add the fruits: Slice the peaches and nectarines thinly and arrange them evenly on top of the batter. Sprinkle the raspberries and cherries on top. These fruits will add not only flavor but also vibrant color to the cake.

Step 4: Baking

7. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check if it’s done using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the Cream

8. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the liquid cream with vanilla and sugar to taste until you achieve a firm consistency.

9. Combine the mascarpone: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with sugar and vanilla, tasting until you reach the desired sweetness. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone using a spatula to maintain the airy texture.

Step 6: Assembling the Cake

10. Cool the base: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the pan. After it has cooled, invert it onto a serving platter.

11. Add the cream: Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the cooled cake base.

12. Decorate with fruits: Arrange the fresh fruits on top of the cream, creating a beautiful display.

Step 7: Final Chilling

13. Chill the cake: It’s best to let the cake chill in the refrigerator overnight so the flavors meld perfectly. If you’re short on time, let it chill for at least 3-4 hours.

Practical Tips

- Seasonal fruits: Feel free to use any of your favorite seasonal fruits. Blackberries, strawberries, or even pineapple can be excellent options.
- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version, experiment with flaxseed or chia eggs and use plant-based whipped cream.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with iced tea or a glass of fresh lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the cake last in the refrigerator?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s most delicious when consumed within the first 24 hours.

2. Can I make the cake without mascarpone?
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with well-drained cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

3. How can I prevent the cake from sinking?
Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar well to incorporate enough air. Also, avoid opening the oven during baking.

Conclusion

The Summer Fruit Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a summer experience that you can share with your loved ones. With each slice, you'll feel the warmth of the sun and the freshness of seasonal fruits. So, gather your ingredients and let your creativity flow! Yum!