Tennis court surface

Tennis Court Cake - A Diplomat Delicacy for Holidays

On a special day, celebrating an important family event deserves a cake that matches the occasion. That's why I chose to prepare a special Tennis Court Cake, inspired by the fantastic ideas from my friends, Ela and Anca. This cake not only looks impressive but is also extremely delicious, combining layers of cream, berries, and a sponge cake base. Let's discover the recipe step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 12 hours (in the fridge)
Total time: 12 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 300 g champagne biscuits
- peach compote (enough to soak the biscuits)

For Cream 1:
- 500 g frozen berries
- 300 g sugar
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 450 g yogurt
- 3 packets of gelatin
- 2 vanilla essences
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For Cream 2:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 700 ml milk
- 1 packet of cream
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- green coconut shavings
- white coconut shavings

A brief history of the recipe

The diplomat cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, with various variations around the world. Typically, it is a light cake with layers of cream and fruit, but today we give it a playful twist by transforming it into a tennis court. This reinterpretation not only brings a smile to the faces of loved ones but also provides a perfect opportunity to experiment with decoration techniques.

Step by step for a perfect Tennis Court Cake

1. Preparing the mold: Start by preparing a high-sided baking tray. Cover the bottom and sides with plastic wrap, ensuring it is well stretched to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Preparing Cream 1: In a large bowl, add the frozen berries (you can use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for an intense flavor). Add 300 g of sugar and mix well. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until firm. In another container, combine the yogurt with the vanilla essences, vanilla sugar, and gelatin prepared according to the package instructions. Add the yogurt mixture to the whipped cream, gently folding to avoid losing air. Add the berries and mix gently.

3. Assembling the cake: Pour the first cream into the prepared tray, leveling it nicely with a spatula. Let it set for a bit for 30 minutes in the fridge.

4. Preparing Cream 2: In a saucepan, prepare the pudding according to the package instructions, using the 700 ml of milk. Once the pudding has cooled, add the gelatin prepared according to the instructions, mixing well. Whip the cream separately and gently fold it into the pudding, then pour this cream over the first cream in the tray, being careful not to mix the two layers.

5. Adding the biscuits: Soak the biscuits in the peach compote juice and carefully place them side by side on top of the second cream. These will form a crunchy and delicious layer that perfectly complements the cake.

6. Cooling the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for one hour. Then, move it to the fridge to cool completely for 12 hours.

7. Decorating the cake: Once the cake has cooled well, you can start decorating. Use strips of aluminum foil to create the lines of the tennis court. Sprinkle green coconut shavings to mimic the grass, and then, using a fork tip, add white coconut shavings to outline the boundary lines.

Practical tips and tricks

- Use fresh berries when they are in season for a special taste and aroma.
- The gelatin must be well dissolved to avoid lumps in the creams.
- If you want to personalize this cake, you can replace the berries with peaches or mango for a tropical flavor.
- The cake can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits

This cake has a balanced content of fruits, dairy, and sugars, offering not only a delicious dessert but also essential nutrients. Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while yogurt contributes to a healthy intake of proteins and calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with seasonal fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or bananas.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the creams and use fresh fruits that have a naturally less sweet taste.

3. Is it possible to make the cake without gelatin?
Yes, you can use plant-based alternatives like agar-agar, which provides a similar texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This Tennis Court Cake will surely become the star of the party, bringing joy and smiles to everyone who enjoys it. Enjoy your meal!