Fruit cake
Goodies for carolers are an ideal choice to bring a touch of joy and flavor to the holiday season. This delicious fruit and cream cheese cake recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a true feast for the senses. With a soft base, a smooth cream, and aromatic fruits, this cake will surely be the star of festive gatherings. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, step by step!
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Cooling time: 2 hours
- Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- Zest of one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- A pinch of salt
For the cream
- 200 g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 400 g yogurt
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 3 packets of gelatin
- 1/2 cup of water for hydrating the gelatin
For assembly
- 500 g ladyfingers
- 1 can of tropical fruits (800 g)
- 100 g fresh raspberries
Necessary utensils
- Springform pan (approximately 24 cm)
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Silicone spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Small pot for the double boiler
Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Ensure the temperature is correct for an evenly baked base.
2. Separate the eggs: Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites to help them whip better.
3. Beat the egg whites with the mixer until frothy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.
4. Incorporate the yolks into the meringue one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the oil and gently mix until combined.
6. Sift the flour mixed with baking powder and orange zest. Gradually add it to the egg mixture, folding gently with a silicone spatula to avoid deflating the meringue.
7. Line the springform pan with parchment paper and pour the mixture in evenly. Level the surface with a spatula.
8. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the base to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the cream
1. Hydrate the gelatin: Place the gelatin in cold water and let it hydrate according to the package instructions.
2. Prepare the cream cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add the yogurt and mix again to achieve a fine consistency.
4. Whip the cream separately until firm. Fold the whipped cream into the cheese and yogurt mixture gently with a spatula.
5. Dissolve the gelatin: Heat the hydrated gelatin over a double boiler until it becomes liquid, then let it cool slightly and incorporate it into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well.
6. Allow the cream to chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before assembly.
Assembling the cake
1. Start with the base: Place the cooled base in the springform pan.
2. Add the ladyfingers: Dip each ladyfinger in the syrup from the canned tropical fruits and arrange them around the edge of the pan to form a wall.
3. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the base in the pan, followed by a layer of canned tropical fruits and raspberries.
4. Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers, then cover with the remaining cream, fruits, and ladyfingers.
5. Finish with a final layer of cream and smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to set and allow the flavors to meld.
Serving and decorating
1. Decorate the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruits, such as raspberries or peach slices, for an appealing look.
2. Serve the cake cold, cutting it into generous portions. It pairs perfectly with a warm fruit tea or sparkling wine.
Useful tips
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute the tropical fruits with your favorites or seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches.
- For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt and coconut milk whipped cream for an exotic flavor.
Nutritional benefits
This fruit cake recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tropical fruits provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while yogurt and cream cheese offer essential proteins. Fruits, especially raspberries, are rich in antioxidants, contributing to a strong immune system.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use vegetarian gelatin?
Yes, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar, following the instructions on the package.
- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- What drinks pair well with this cake?
The cake pairs excellently with a fruit tea or sparkling wine.
This fruit and cream cheese cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings together natural flavors and the joy of the holidays. Whether you make it for carolers, a family gathering, or simply to treat yourself, this cake will surely leave a lasting impression. Try it and enjoy every bite!
First, we prepare the base. We mix the egg whites with a pinch of salt, add the sugar and mix until it becomes a glossy meringue, then we add the egg yolks and mix well after each addition. We add the oil, the flour mixed with baking powder and orange zest, mix with a spatula and pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. We put the tray in the preheated oven until it passes the toothpick test. For the cream, we mix the cream cheese with the sugar and add the yogurt, whipped cream previously mixed, and mix well. We add the hydrated gelatin dissolved in a water bath. We mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes. In a springform pan, we add the base and along the edges, we place the ladyfingers that we dipped in the juice from the compote; we add 1/2 of the cream, fruits, and on top a layer of ladyfingers, cream - fruits - ladyfingers - cream and refrigerate for 2 hours. We decorate with whipped cream and fruits.
Ingredients: 500 g ladyfingers, 250 ml whipped cream, 400 g yogurt, 200 g cream cheese, 200 g powdered sugar, 3 packets of gelatin, 1 can of tropical fruits (800 g), 100 g raspberries, Base: 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 baking powder, orange zest
