Russian Peach Cake Recipe
This Russian Peach Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring light almond sponge cake, sweet peach preserves soaked in white wine, airy whipped cream, and a unique homemade peach-flavored zefir marshmallow topping. The combination of tender cake layers, fruity filling, and fluffy decorations creates an elegant, flavorful cake perfect for special occasions or sophisticated gatherings.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Sponge Cake
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Peach Filling
- 1 1/2 cups peach preserves
- 1/2 cup sweet white wine
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Zefir (Peach Marshmallow Topping)
- 3/4 cup water (divided)
- 1/4 cup peach gelatin (jello)
- 2 tsp agar gelatin
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 large egg whites
- Optional: food coloring (peach or pink)
Garnish
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line three 8-inch (20-cm) round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Sponge Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4 to 6 minutes until the mixture is pale and voluminous. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture until combined, taking care to keep the batter airy.
- Bake and Cool Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After baking, let the cake layers cool completely. Use a serrated knife to carefully split each layer horizontally in half, creating six thin layers total.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, whisk the chilled heavy cream with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract for 3 to 4 minutes on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep cool.
- Make Peach Filling: Combine the peach preserves and sweet white wine in a small bowl, mixing well to create a pourable peach filling.
- Prepare Peach Gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water and the peach gelatin (jello). Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the gelatin dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Agar Syrup: In another saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup (118 ml) water and agar gelatin. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture starts to simmer and thicken like applesauce. Gradually add the 2 cups sugar, continuing to cook until it comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Make Zefir Marshmallow: Using a stand mixer, whisk egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form (about 1 minute). With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly drizzle in the hot sugar-agar syrup in a steady stream. Add the dissolved peach gelatin and lemon juice last. Whisk the mixture on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens and the batter pulls away from the bowl’s sides. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread a layer of peach filling over one cake half, then a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the preserves. Cover with a second half of cake. Repeat with remaining layers alternating cake, peach filling, whipped cream, and cake. On the top layer, spread more peach preserves, then pipe a thick layer of the peach zefir marshmallow. Press diced peaches gently into the zefir for garnish and pipe dollops of zefir decoratively on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the zefir to set before serving. Keep refrigerated if not serving within a few hours to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream, are fresh for best texture and flavor.
- The almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and tender crumb to the sponge cake.
- Handling the layers carefully while slicing helps keep the cake intact and neat.
- Use a stand mixer for making zefir marshmallow to achieve the necessary volume and stability.
- Refrigeration is important after assembly to help the zefir set and cake flavors to develop.
- Optional: add a few drops of peach or pink food coloring to the zefir for a more vibrant appearance.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days due to the fresh cream and fruit toppings.
Keywords: Russian Peach Cake, layered peach dessert, almond sponge cake, peach preserves, whipped cream dessert, zefir topping, elegant fruit cake