Delicate cake with mint and kiwi
Fine cake with mint and kiwi – a fresh and refreshing delicacy, perfect for any occasion! This cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that blends delicate textures and vibrant flavors. Besides looking splendid on a platter, the combination of mint and kiwi brings a new breath to the world of sweets. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this easy-to-make cake, but with an impressive visual and taste impact.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the layers (2 layers):
- 10 egg whites
- 300 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 vanilla extracts
For the filling:
- 600 g fresh cottage cheese
- 200 g sour cream
- 300 g powdered sugar
- Puree from 10-12 kiwi fruits
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 packets of gelatin
For the syrup:
- 400 ml water
- 300 g sugar
- 2 vanilla extracts
For the glaze:
- 300 g powdered sugar
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- 6 tablespoons of concentrated mint tea
- 150 g butter or margarine
For decoration:
- Thin slices of kiwi
- Mint leaves
Preparation steps
Step 1: Preparing the layers
Start by separating the eggs, ensuring that the egg whites do not have any traces of yolk. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding a pinch of salt. Then, gradually incorporate the sugar, mixing continuously until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue. Add the crushed yolks, vanilla extract, and sifted flour, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
Divide the mixture into two baking trays lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. This is a classic but essential technique for obtaining fluffy layers. Once baked, let them cool in the trays for a few minutes, then loosen with a knife and let them cool completely on a rack.
Step 2: Preparing the cream
In a large bowl, mix the fresh cottage cheese with the sour cream and powdered sugar. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth mixture. Add the kiwi puree and finely chopped mint leaves. This step is key to achieving an intense mint flavor that will beautifully contrast with the tartness of the kiwi.
Hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions, then melt it in a water bath. Add the melted gelatin to the mixture, pouring it in a thin stream to avoid lumps. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Assembling the cake
Take a tray the same size as the layers and place the first layer at the bottom. Drizzle it with half of the cold syrup prepared earlier from water, sugar, and vanilla extract. This syrup will keep the layer moist and flavorful. Pour the cream of cheese and kiwi on top and place the second layer, pressing gently to secure it. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to set.
Step 4: Preparing the glaze
After the cake has chilled, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the powdered sugar with the concentrated mint tea over low heat, stirring continuously. Once the sugar has melted and the glaze starts to thicken, add the finely chopped mint leaves and stir gently for 3-4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and incorporate the butter, mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Finishing the cake
Remove the cake from the refrigerator, cut it into rhombuses or squares, and pour the warm glaze over the top. Decorating with thin slices of kiwi and mint leaves will add an elegant and appetizing look. Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Practical tips
- Gelatin: If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can opt for a plant-based substitute like agar-agar.
- Mint: Use fresh mint leaves for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs, but mint is the classic combination with kiwi.
- Serving: Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of mint tea to enhance the flavors.
- Variations: You can replace kiwi with other fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, to create a cake with different flavors.
Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Fresh cottage cheese provides quality protein, and mint offers a refreshing taste and can aid digestion.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour, but the final texture will be slightly different.
2. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
3. Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
This fine cake with mint and kiwi will surely become a star at your festive meals! Not only will it impress with its appearance, but also with its refined taste. So, put on your apron and get ready to delight the taste buds of your loved ones!
Ingredients: 2 layers made of; 5 eggs, 150 g sugar, 125 g flour, a pinch of salt, essence or vanilla sugar filling; 300 g fresh cow cheese, 100 g sour cream, 150 g powdered sugar, puree from 5-6 kiwi fruits, a few fresh mint leaves, a packet of gelatin syrup; 200 ml water + 150 g sugar + essence glaze; 150 g powdered sugar, a handful of fresh mint leaves, 3 tablespoons of concentrated mint tea, 75 g butter or margarine decoration; thin slices of kiwi and mint leaves