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, fruity, festive dessert perfect for winter holidays or any celebration!
The Romanian Diplomat Cake – or Tort Diplomat – is a beloved traditional dessert that holds a special place in many Romanian hearts. For generations, this cake has been served at New Year’s Eve gatherings, Christmas feasts, or family celebrations. Light, elegant, and filled with citrusy freshness, it’s a nostalgic delight with every bite. 🍍🍊
For one Romanian home cook, this cake brings back warm memories of winter holidays spent with her grandmother. Back in her student days, she would prepare this cake in a pot – layering the ingredients, then chilling it overnight. The next day, the cake would slide out effortlessly, revealing a perfect dome of creamy custard, whipped cream, soft ladyfingers, and glistening fruit.
Whether you’re making this cake for the first time or reliving cherished family traditions, the Diplomat Cake is easier to make than you think – and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
📝 What Is Romanian Diplomat Cake?
The Diplomat Cake is a chilled, no-bake (or optionally baked) fruit cake with a mousse-like consistency. It’s made with layers of fruit-soaked ladyfingers or sponge cake, whipped cream, homemade custard, and fruit – typically pineapple and oranges, though other acidic fruits work beautifully too. This dessert stands out because it’s:- 🌟 Light and airy
- 🍍 Fruit-filled and refreshing
- ❄️ Perfect for winter, yet just as lovely in summer
- 🍽️ Ideal for celebrations and festive tables
💡 Tips & Tricks
- ❄️ Use cold whipping cream to get that airy mousse texture.
- 🥶 Work fast when combining the cream and custard – gelatin sets quickly!
- 🍊 Choose acidic fruits like citrus, pineapple, or even kiwi for balance.
- 🍰 No-bake shortcut: Use ladyfingers only and skip the sponge for a quicker version.
- 🫙 Build it upside down in a pot if you don’t have a cake ring – it will hold shape beautifully after chilling.
🔄 Variations
- Swap pineapple and oranges for kiwi, berries, or mango for a summer twist.
- Add a layer of jelly on top for a glossy finish.
- Flavor the custard with vanilla extract or rum essence for extra aroma.
📦 Storing and Serving
How to store:Keep the Diplomat Cake in the refrigerator, covered. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, though it likely won’t last that long! Can you make it ahead of time?
Absolutely – in fact, it’s best made the day before serving to allow all the flavors to settle and the texture to set perfectly.
❓ FAQ
Can I freeze Diplomat Cake?It’s not recommended, as the texture may change when defrosted due to the gelatin and cream. Can I use store-bought sponge or cake layers?
Yes! Store-bought sponge or even simple vanilla cake layers work just fine. Is this cake suitable for summer?
Definitely! Although traditionally served in winter, its light, fruity profile makes it an excellent summer dessert too.
🎉 Final Thoughts
The Romanian Tort Diplomat is more than just a dessert – it’s a slice of heritage, warmth, and celebration. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant enough to impress at any holiday table. Whether it brings back sweet memories or becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, this light and fruity cake is a true delight all year round. 💛