Cherry sponge cake
Cherry sponge cake - a fluffy and delicious dessert
If you're looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful dessert, cherry sponge cake is the perfect choice. This dish will delight you with its slightly fluffy texture and the fresh flavors of cherries. It is a dessert that brings together the sweetness of the fruit and the delicacy of a homemade cake, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or as a sweet snack with family, this sponge cake will surely be appreciated.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
Required ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 packets of rose and vanilla essence (or to taste)
- 300 g of fresh cherries (or other fruits of your choice)
- A pinch of salt
- Extra flour to dust the cherries
Preparing the sponge cake
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
Start by washing the cherries well and pitting them. You can use a special pitting device or simply cut them in half. Once done, sprinkle a little flour over the cherries to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking. This is an essential trick to keep the cherries evenly distributed in the sponge cake.
Step 2: Separating the eggs
Separate the egg whites from the yolks in a large bowl. It is important to use clean bowls, free of grease, as the egg whites need to be beaten to stiff peaks. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and start beating them with an electric mixer on medium speed until they become frothy and form stiff peaks.
Step 3: Mixing the ingredients
In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Then add the oil and the rose and vanilla essences. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combining the batter
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a silicone spatula. It is important to mix with gentle up-and-down motions so as not to deflate the egg whites. Finally, add the sifted flour and mix again carefully.
Step 5: Adding the cherries
Incorporate the prepared cherries into the batter, gently mixing to distribute them evenly. Now your batter is ready to be poured into the molds!
Baking the sponge cake
Step 6: Preparing the molds
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a round baking pan with a little oil or butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. If you wish to make muffins as well, you can use a muffin tin, greased or lined with paper liners.
Step 7: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake the sponge cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using the muffin tin, the baking time may be shorter, so check them after 20 minutes.
Serving and variations
Once the sponge cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. You can serve the cherry sponge cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Another delicious idea is to pair it with cherry compote or chocolate sauce for a contrast of flavors.
Variations
Instead of cherries, you can use any other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. You can also add some dark or white chocolate chunks for an extra flavor boost. If you want a healthier version, replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Additionally, by using oil instead of butter, the sponge cake becomes lighter and less caloric, making it a better choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.
Frequently asked questions
1. What other fruits can I use for this sponge cake?
You can experiment with a variety of fruits, such as blackberries, peaches, apples, or even fruit combinations.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but the batter will become denser.
3. How can I store the sponge cake?
The sponge cake stores well in a sealed container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
4. What drinks pair well with cherry sponge cake?
A fresh lemonade or a fruit tea would be excellent accompaniments to this dessert.
Now that you've gone through all the steps, all that's left is to head to the kitchen and enjoy the cooking process. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat your family, the cherry sponge cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons of flour, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of oil, vanilla sugar, 3 packets of rose and vanilla essence (to taste)
