Step 1: Prepare the Base
Crush the Biscuits: Place 300 g of biscuits (graham crackers or plain digestive biscuits) in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. If you don’t have a food processor, place the biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they form crumbs.
Soak the Biscuits in Milk: In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with 200 ml of milk. Mix until the crumbs are moistened but not soggy. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Form the Cake Base: Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or a cake mold to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly. Place the base in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Banana Filling
Whisk the Sour Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of sour cream with 100 g of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the Bananas: Slice 3 bananas into thin rounds and gently fold them into the sweetened sour cream mixture. This will create a creamy banana filling that pairs beautifully with the biscuit base.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Layer the Cream on the Base: Take the chilled biscuit base out of the fridge and spread the banana and sour cream mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
Chill in the Fridge: Place the cake in the fridge to chill while you prepare the fruit topping. Let it set for at least 30 minutes before adding the fruit.
Step 4: Prepare the Fruit Decoration
Prepare the Fruit: Peel and slice 2 kiwi fruits, 2 oranges, and 2 bananas into thin rounds or wedges. Set them aside on a plate.
Arrange the Fruit: After the cake has chilled for 30 minutes, remove it from the fridge. Decorate the top of the cake with the sliced fruit in a colorful pattern. You can arrange the fruit in concentric circles, starting from the outer edge and working your way inwards, or create any design you prefer.
Step 5: Add the Gelatin Glaze (Optional)
Soak the Gelatin: Soak 20 ml of gelatin in a small amount of water according to the package instructions. Once the gelatin has softened, gently heat it until fully dissolved, but do not let it boil.
Brush the Gelatin Over the Fruit: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the dissolved gelatin over the fruit topping. This step is optional but recommended as it gives the fruit a beautiful, glossy finish and helps keep it fresh longer.
Step 6: Final Chill
Chill the Cake: Place the assembled fruit cake back in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve
Slice and Serve: Once the cake has set, remove it from the fridge, release the springform pan (if using), and slice the cake into wedges. Serve it cold for a refreshing, light dessert.
Cooking Tips:
Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
Using Different Fruits: Feel free to use any fruit you like for decoration. Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, or mangoes work wonderfully. Choose colorful fruits to make the cake visually appealing.
Biscuit Substitutes: If you don’t have plain biscuits or graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even a mixture of nuts and oats for a more textured base.
Thicker Cream Layer: If you prefer a thicker, creamier layer, you can add some whipped cream or cream cheese to the sour cream mixture for extra richness.
Gelatin Alternatives: If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can skip the glaze altogether or use agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store the fruit cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit may lose its freshness after that, but the cake will still taste delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake without the fruit topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh fruit on top.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):
Calories: 300-350 kcal
Protein: 6-8 g
Fat: 15-18 g
Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
Fiber: 3-4 g
Sugar: 25-30 g
Sodium: 150-200 mg
This cake is a balanced treat, offering a good mix of carbohydrates from the biscuits and fruits, healthy fats from the cream, and a boost of vitamins from the fresh fruit. It’s a relatively light dessert compared to traditional cakes, making it perfect for a refreshing and colorful end to a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The yogurt will give a slightly tangy taste, but it works well with the sweetness of the fruit.
2. How do I keep the fruit fresh on the cake? Brushing the fruit with a gelatin or agar-agar glaze helps preserve its freshness and gives it a beautiful shine. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the fruit with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Can I use flavored biscuits for the base? Yes, using flavored biscuits like ginger snaps or chocolate cookies can add an extra dimension of flavor to the cake. Just make sure they’re not too sweet, as the cake already contains sugar.
4. How long does this cake take to set? The cake takes about 1 hour to set in the fridge, but for the best results, let it chill for a few hours or overnight.
5. Can I add nuts to the cake? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the biscuit base or sprinkle them on top for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion:
This no-bake colorful fruit cake is a simple yet stunning dessert that can be whipped up in no time. With its soft biscuit base, creamy banana-sour cream layer, and vibrant fruit topping, it’s a treat that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert for a family gathering or a showstopper for a party, this cake fits the bill perfectly. The best part is that it requires no baking, making it a quick and easy option for even the busiest of days. Enjoy this refreshing, fruity delight with your loved ones and be prepared for it to become a regular favorite!
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