Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 eggs
• 10 g vanilla sugar
• 100 g sugar
• 50 ml sunflower oil
• 50 g butter, melted
• 340 g flour
• 10 g baking powder

For the Cream Filling:

• 200 g peaches in syrup, drained and chopped
• 400 ml milk
• 10 g vanilla sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 200 ml whipping cream, already sweetened

For the Topping:

• Sliced almonds

Making It Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20 cm (8-inch) cake pan.
   • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla sugar, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the sunflower oil and melted butter, mixing well to combine.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling:
   • In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla sugar over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
   • Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
   • In a separate bowl, whip the sweetened whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
   • Once the custard has cooled, fold in the whipped cream until well combined.
   • Gently fold in the chopped peaches, being careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two even layers.
   • Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and spread half of the cream filling over it.
   • Place the second layer of the cake on top and spread the remaining cream filling evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
   • Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the cake, pressing them gently into the cream to adhere.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours, or until the cream filling is set and firm.
   • Slice and serve chilled.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before adding the cream filling to prevent the cream from melting and losing its structure.
• You can use fresh peaches if they are in season. Simply peel, pit, and chop them, then mix with a little sugar before adding them to the cream.
• Toast the sliced almonds slightly before using them as a topping to enhance their flavor and crunch.

Storage:

• Store the Peach Cream Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Due to the cream filling, it’s not recommended to freeze this cake as the texture may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the cake even more delicious.
2. Can I use a different type of nut for the topping? Absolutely! You can use chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
3. Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free? You can substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like margarine and almond milk. Use a dairy-free whipping cream for the filling.
4. Can I use other fruits instead of peaches? Yes, you can use other fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or pineapple for the cream filling. Just ensure they are drained well to avoid making the cream too runny.

Conclusion: Peach Cream Cake with Almonds is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy peach filling, and crunchy almonds makes it a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, even for novice bakers. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake will not disappoint. With its refreshing flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the process of making this delightful cake, and savor each delicious bite!