Enjoy a Guilt-Free Dessert: High-Protein Cold Fruit Cake

Forget about ice cream! This cold fruit cake can be enjoyed without the fear of gaining weight: it’s high in protein, healthy, and has only 125 calories per 100 grams. Perfect for a summer treat or a delightful dessert after a meal, this recipe combines lightness with satisfying flavors, making it a great addition to your healthy eating plan.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 100 g almond flour (about 1 cup)
• 30 g melted butter (about 2 tablespoons) or a plant-based alternative
• 1 teaspoon erythritol or another natural sweetener

For the Filling:

• 250 g low-fat ricotta cheese (about 1 cup, well-drained)
• 250 g Greek yogurt (0% fat; about 1 cup)
• 50 g erythritol or powdered stevia (adjustable to taste)
• 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon organic lemon zest
• 2 large eggs (for binding)

For the Topping:

• 150 g mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries; about 1.5 cups)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 sheet of gelatin or 2 g of agar-agar
• 1 teaspoon sweetener (erythritol or similar)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter, and sweetener.
2. Mix until you achieve a sandy, moist texture.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan (18-20 cm in diameter) lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake in a static oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
2. Blend well using a manual or electric whisk until you have a creamy, smooth, and lump-free mixture.
3. Pour the cream over the pre-baked base, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in a static oven at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 35-40 minutes, checking that the center remains slightly jiggly.
2. Once baked, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Create the Topping

1. In a small saucepan, heat the berries with the lemon juice, sweetener, and the soaked gelatin (or agar-agar).
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes over a low flame, stirring until the berries begin to release their juices and the gelatin has fully dissolved.
3. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake, distributing it evenly.
4. Return to the refrigerator for at least 1 more hour before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Total Calories: Approximately 1,100 kcal for the entire cake
• Calories per 100 g: About 125 kcal
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 hours minimum

Tips and Tricks

1. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the quantity of sweetener based on your personal taste. You can always start with less and add more if necessary.
2. Berry Selection: Feel free to use any type of berries you prefer or have on hand. Seasonal fruits can add diverse flavors, so experiment with strawberries, cherries, or even tropical fruits.
3. Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance, so it’s ready when you need a healthy snack or dessert option.

Variations

1. Chocolate Delight: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate-flavored cake that’s still guilt-free.
2. Nutty Layer: Stir some crushed nuts into the filling for added texture and healthy fats; walnuts or pecans work beautifully with the creamy texture.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can prepare a delicious and nutritious cold fruit cake that delights the palate without the calories. Enjoy this high-protein dessert that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients!