A light and elegant Romanian cake traditionally made for New Year’s Eve and winter celebrations. This no-bake dessert is filled with whipped cream, custard, pineapple, and oranges, layered between soft sponge or ladyfingers. Refreshing, nostalgic, and perfect for any festive occasion. 🍍🍊🎉
Ingredients
For the Sponge (optional):
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard Cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 400 g sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 25 g gelatin powder
- 500 ml cold whipping cream
For the Filling and Decoration:
- 2 cans pineapple chunks (drained, reserve syrup)
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 pack ladyfingers (optional, if not using sponge)
- Optional toppings: grated chocolate, whipped cream, extra fruit
Instructions
- Make the Sponge (Optional):Separate eggs. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy. Fold in yolks, flour, and baking powder. Pour into greased cake tin and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 25–30 mins. Let cool completely and slice into two layers.
- Prepare Gelatin:Soak gelatin as per packet instructions and set aside.
- Make Custard:Combine egg yolks, sugar, and milk in a bowl over a bain-marie. Stir continuously until thickened (do not boil). Let cool slightly, then mix in prepared gelatin. Cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream:Whip cold whipping cream until stiff. Gently fold into the cooled custard in three stages. Work quickly, as gelatin sets fast.
- Assemble the Cake:Line a cake ring or mold. Place sponge or ladyfingers (dipped lightly in pineapple syrup) on the bottom. Layer ¼ of the cream, followed by fruit. Repeat with cream, fruit, and top sponge. Finish with remaining cream.
- Decorate & Chill:Smooth the top and decorate with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.
Notes
A light and elegant Romanian cake traditionally made for New Year’s Eve and winter celebrations. This no-bake dessert is filled with whipped cream, custard, pineapple, and oranges, layered between soft sponge or ladyfingers. Refreshing and perfect for any festive occasion. 🍍🍊🎉
Wow, that Romanian Diplomat Cake looks amazing! The combination of pineapple and oranges with the whipped cream and custard sounds incredibly refreshing, especially for a festive occasion. I’m intrigued by the no-bake aspect – perfect for a busy holiday season. Definitely adding this to my “to-bake” (or rather, “to-assemble” 😉) list!