Turtle cake with kiwi

Turtle cake with kiwi

Want to bring a smile on the little ones' faces? Then the turtle cake with kiwi is the perfect choice! This dessert is not only a delicacy, but also a true culinary work of art, turning a simple roll into an ingenious creation. With a fresh kiwi mousse and playful presentation, this cake is sure to be the star of any birthday party. What's more, it's a relatively simple recipe, suitable for parents, grandparents or anyone who wants to impress with a dessert that's both tasty and appealing. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes + cooling time
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the rolls (2 rolls, so double the ingredients):
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- Favorite fruit jam (e.g. raspberry or peach)

For the kiwi mousse:
- 4 large kiwis, well ripe
- 200 ml whipped cream (or whipped cream made from whipping powder and 200 ml milk)
- 10 g gelatine
- 1 tbsp honey

Garnish:
- Kiwi slices
- Cream of your choice (can be just whipped cream or a delicious jam)
- Fresh fruit (for the head and feet, you can use strawberries or cherries)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the roulade
1. Separate the eggs: Start by separating the whites from the yolks. It's essential that the bowl for the egg whites is clean and dry, otherwise they won't beat well.

2. Beating the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy. Then gradually add the sugar, mixing continuously, until you have a stiff, glossy foam. This is a time when you should be enjoying the progress - it's the perfect base for your roulade!

3. Adding the yolks: In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the vanilla sugar. Gradually add them to the egg whites, a tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a spatula, using up and down motions so as not to lose air.

4. Incorporating the flour: Si sift the flour over the mixture and repeat the gentle mixing process. It is important to be gentle here to achieve a fluffy texture.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the baking tray (26x39 cm) lined with baking paper, making sure it is evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven at 175°C for about 10 minutes, or until light golden.

6 Cool the roulade: After baking, turn the roulade out onto a damp, well-drilled towel, carefully removing the baking paper. Roll the roll tightly, using the towel, and cool completely.

Step 2: Making the kiwi mousse
1. Prepare the kiwi: Peel the kiwis and cut into small pieces. Use an upright blender to puree them finely.

2. Boiling the puree: Pour the kiwi puree into a saucepan and put it over medium heat, bringing it to the boiling point. This is an important step as the heat will activate the gelatine later.

3. Cooling: Once the puree has boiled, allow it to cool to body temperature, then stir in the honey.

4. Moisturizing the gelatin: Moisturize the gelatin according to the instructions on the package and dissolve it into the cooled kiwi puree. Make sure the gelatine is fully incorporated.

5. Adding the whipped cream: Whip the whipped cream until stiff and, once the kiwi mixture has cooled completely, carefully fold the whipped cream into the kiwi mixture using the same gentle strokes.

Step 3: Assemble the cake
1. Cover the mold: Cover a large bowl with cling film, this will help you to turn the cake over more easily at the end.

2. Arranging the roulades: Arrange the roulade slices in a circle, starting in the middle and working towards the edges, making sure they fit together nicely.

3. Adding the mousse: Spoon the kiwi mousse into the center of the shape, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.

4. Top with roulade: Place another layer of roulade slices on top of the mousse, then refrigerate the cake. It's ideal to leave it overnight to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 4: Decorating the cake
1. Turn the cake upside down: After refrigerating, carefully turn the cake out onto a platter. Remove the cling film.

2. Decorating: Use your favorite cream to decorate the cake - whether you choose whipped cream, jam or a combination of both, let your imagination run wild. Place kiwi slices on the edge of the cake and add fruit to create turtle heads and legs.

Useful tips
- Choose fresh fruit: Use well-ripened kiwi fruit to get the best taste. Kiwi not only adds a touch of tartness but also a vibrant color to the cake.
- Experiment with jams: You can use strawberry jam, peach jam or a mix of fruits to add a personal touch to your rolls.
- Serving: The kiwi turtle cake is perfect for birthdays, parties or simply for a delicious family dessert.

Nutrition facts
Each serving of turtle cake with kiwi contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used for the custard. It's a great choice because kiwi is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the cream adds extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits for the mousse? Of course! You can try mango mousse, strawberry mousse or any other favorite fruit.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the rolls and opt for a jam with no added sugar.
3. Can I freeze this cake? It is recommended not to. The mousse texture may change after freezing.

Possible variations
- Chocolate turtle cake: Add cocoa to the roll mixture for a chocolate flavor.
- Walnut roll: Incorporate ground walnuts into the roll dough for a crunchy texture.

This cake is not just a simple recipe, but a colorful and flavorful experience that will bring joy not only to the little ones, but to adults as well. So get ready to turn a simple day into a celebration with your kiwi turtle cake! Bon appétit!