Cherry cake

Cherry and crème fraîche cake: a delight that combines the fresh taste of cherries with a creamy texture and an appetizing appearance. This cake is perfect for enjoying at a party, as a dessert for a family meal, or simply to indulge your taste buds on an ordinary day. Let's venture together into the preparation of this quick and simple dessert!

General information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 6 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 ml milk
- 600 g cherries (pitted)
- 150 g crème fraîche
- 30 g almond flakes

A bit of history:
Fruit cakes have been appreciated for centuries in many cultures. Cherries, with their sweet-tart flavor, have become a staple ingredient in desserts due to their versatility. This recipe combines the tradition of fruit cakes with a modern touch by adding crème fraîche for a rich and delicate texture.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by taking the butter out of the fridge to soften. It should sit at room temperature for a few hours before use to incorporate more easily.

2. Mixing the butter:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, 250 g of sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This is when the aroma of vanilla sugar will blend with the butter, creating a delicious base for the cake.

3. Adding the eggs:
Add the 6 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial as the eggs contribute to the cake's structure and moisture.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This will help the cake rise beautifully in the oven. Once you have mixed the dry ingredients, gradually incorporate them into the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the 50 ml of milk. Mix well for about 4 minutes until the batter becomes smooth.

5. Preparing the baking pan:
Prepare a baking pan (approximately 39 x 26 cm) by lining it with parchment paper. This will help the cake not to stick and make it easy to remove after baking.

6. Spreading the batter:
Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan for even baking.

7. Adding the cherries:
Add the pitted cherries over the batter. They will provide moisture and a wonderful flavor to your cake. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, depending on the season and availability.

8. Preparing the crème fraîche:
In a separate bowl, mix the crème fraîche with the remaining eggs (about 3 eggs) and 50 g of sugar. This cream will add a delicious layer of moisture and flavor.

9. Pouring the cream:
Pour the crème fraîche over the cherries, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly. This layer will become a delicate and delicious crust during baking.

10. Adding the almond flakes:
Sprinkle the almond flakes on top of the cream. They will not only add a crunchy texture but also an attractive appearance to your cake.

11. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45 minutes or until it turns golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

12. Cooling and serving:
After baking, let the cake cool for 30 minutes in the pan. This will help set the crème fraîche and make the cake easier to cut. Serve it warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with whipped cream and decorated with a few fresh cherries.

Useful tips:
- You can replace cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to experiment with different flavors.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the batter.
- If you don't have crème fraîche, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream, but the taste will differ slightly.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can experiment with various seasonal fruits such as peaches or plums.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done?
Check with a skewer – if it comes out clean from the middle of the cake, it is done.

3. Can I make the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from butter and crème fraîche. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, contributing to immune system health.

Serving suggestion:
For a special experience, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel on top. This will add a delicious contrast between warm and cold.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! Enjoy every moment of the process and savor the final result: a cherry cake that impresses with its taste and pleasant appearance. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 250 g butter that has been left out for a few hours at room temperature, 300 g sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 6 eggs, 300 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 50 ml milk, 600 g pitted cherries, 150 g crème fraîche, 30 g flaked almonds.

 Tags:  cherry cake