Diplomat cake

The dessert that brings smiles to everyone's faces – Diplomat Cake

The diplomat cake is a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a family gathering, or simply the desire to enjoy something sweet. With a light and airy texture, this cake manages to impress even the most discerning among us. In this recipe, I will share the secrets I have learned over the years to achieve a perfect diplomat cake without resorting to excessive gelatin, which can give an unpleasant texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: minimum 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 pack of ladyfingers (approximately 200-250 g) for the border
- 5 egg yolks
- 10 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 1.2 kg heavy cream (30%)
- 1 can of pineapple (or other fruits of your choice)
- 1 can of mandarins
- 4-5 kiwis
- Candied orange peel
- 10 g gelatin (optional, but recommended)

1. Preparing the mold and ladyfingers

We start by preparing a round or square mold, depending on your preferences. Line the inside of the mold with plastic wrap to prevent sticking and to facilitate the later removal of the cake.

Place the ladyfingers along the inner edge of the mold, forming an even border. If you have leftover ladyfingers, don't worry, you will use them later. Using the juice from the canned pineapple and mandarins, soak the ladyfingers to give them a delicious flavor and optimal moisture.

2. Preparing the diplomat cream

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt and the raw sugar using a whisk. Mix vigorously until the mixture becomes whitish and creamy.

Transfer the bowl to a steam bath and continue to mix until the cream heats up and thickens slightly; be careful not to boil the yolks, just warm them. As soon as you achieve a creamy consistency, add the hydrated gelatin and mix well until it completely dissolves.

Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, in another bowl, whip about ¾ of the heavy cream until it becomes very fluffy. Incorporate the cooled egg cream and the well-drained fruits from the cans.

Add the finely chopped candied orange peel for an extra flavor. Gently mix to avoid losing air from the cream.

3. Assembling the cake

Pour the cream mixture into the prepared mold with ladyfingers. Place a plastic wrap over it and let the cake chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to set properly.

4. Decorating the cake

The next day, carefully unwrap the plastic and check if the cream has set correctly. If you have leftover ladyfingers, you can place them on top of the cream. Peel the kiwis and slice them thinly. Use them to decorate the cake, arranging them nicely for an attractive appearance.

Whip the remaining cream with a bit of powdered vanilla sugar and use a spritz to decorate the cake. Add the kiwi slices and, if desired, other favorite fruits for a contrast of colors and flavors.

5. Serving

Keep the cake chilled until serving time. It is perfect served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of cold lemonade to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Useful tips and frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Just make sure not to use fresh pineapple or kiwi in combination with gelatin, as the enzymes in these can prevent the gelatin from setting.

- How can I prevent syrup from leaking out of the wrap? Make sure the plastic wrap is well placed and that you used enough syrup to soak the ladyfingers. You can also use a bowl with high edges to prevent leaks.

- What are the nutritional benefits of this dessert? The diplomat cake contains cream, which provides healthy fats and calcium, while the fruits add vitamins and antioxidants. However, it is a calorie-rich dessert, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.

- Can I reduce the sugar? Certainly! You can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe, but be careful not to affect the texture of the cream.

Surely, the diplomat cake will become a family favorite. Use this recipe as a base and feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients, creating a personalized dessert that reflects your unique tastes. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 package of ladyfingers for the border, 5 egg yolks, 10 tablespoons of raw sugar, 1.2 kg of heavy cream (30%), 1 can of pineapple, 1 can of mandarins, 4-5 kiwis, candied orange peel, 10 g of gelatin

 Tags:  diplomat cake ladyfingers pineapple kiwi sour cream gelatin