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Ed
onJanuary 26, 2026

Romanian Diplomat Cake – Tort Diplomat

Romanian Diplomat Cake on a white cake stand, topped with whipped cream, pineapple, orange slices, and chocolate shavings, styled in a festive setting with soft lighting.
2 min read

 

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. 🍍🍊🎉
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 12 slices
Calories 4000 kcal

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

Step-by-step visuals of Romanian Diplomat Cake preparation: making custard, whipping cream, layering fruit and cream, and assembling the finished cake.
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. 🍍🍊🎉

📝 Notes

The Romanian Diplomat Cake (Tort Diplomat) is a popular traditional dessert. For generations, this cake has been a staple served at New Year’s Eve gatherings, Christmas feasts, and family celebrations. Light, elegant, and filled with citrusy freshness, it is a classic element of Romanian festive cuisine.
This cake is valued for its ability to hold its shape after chilling. When a cake ring or deep mold is used, the set custard and gelatin allow the dessert to be easily removed, revealing a perfect dome of creamy custard, whipped cream, soft ladyfingers, and glistening fruit.
The Diplomat Cake is relatively simple to prepare, and its impressive appearance makes it an ideal choice for any holiday table.

🎉 Final Thoughts

The Romanian Tort Diplomat is a timeless classic of Eastern European baking. It is simple enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant enough to impress guests at any celebration. This light and fruity cake is a delightful dessert to enjoy all year round. 💛
More Romanian recipes
Keyword Diplomat Cake Recipe, Fruit custard cake, Light mousse cake, No-bake fruit cake, Romanian Diplomat Cake, Romanian New Year’s dessert, Tort Diplomat
  • Welcome to Book of Foods, my space for sharing stories, recipes, and everything I’ve learned about making food both joyful and nourishing.

    I’m Ed, the creator of Book of Foods. Since 2015 I’ve been collecting stories and recipes from around the world to prove that good food can be simple, vibrant, and good for you.

Ed
onJanuary 26, 2026
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View Comments (1)
  1. wanderlust._foodie.
    on June 10, 2025

    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!

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