Cherry Cake
Cherry Cake – a seasonal delight
Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Who doesn’t love a fluffy, fragrant cake full of fruit? Cherry cake is a quick and easy dessert, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to summer days or impressing guests at a festive meal. This recipe will not only delight you with its simplicity but also give you the opportunity to experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches.
A brief introduction to the history of cherry cake
Cherry cakes have been prepared for generations, becoming a symbol of summer in many cultures. Cherries, with their slightly tart taste, offer a perfect balance of flavors, and the fluffy texture of the batter completes this ideal combination. Whether it’s a family recipe or a modern variation, cherry cake will always bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it.
Ingredients
- 1 kg pitted cherries
- 500 g flour
- 150 ml oil
- 300 ml milk
- 375 g powdered sugar
- 6 eggs (separated)
- Juice and grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- 1½ packets of baking powder
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for cherries)
- 3 tablespoons of semolina (for cherries)
Steps for a dream cherry cake
1. Prepare the cherries:
In a bowl, mix the pitted cherries with the 5 tablespoons of sugar. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 1 hour. This process will help extract the juice from the cherries, making them more flavorful. After an hour, place the cherries in a sieve to drain well.
2. Prepare the batter:
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the baking powder for 10 minutes until you get a creamy mixture with air bubbles. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the composition becomes homogeneous. Gradually add the oil, mixing as you would for mayonnaise, then the lemon zest and milk. Finally, fold in the flour.
3. Beat the egg whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and lemon juice until you get a firm foam. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy batter. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture with upward motions to avoid losing the air in the egg whites.
4. Prepare the cherries:
Mix the drained cherries with the semolina. This will help absorb the juice and prevent the cherries from sinking in the batter.
5. Assemble the cake:
In a 27 x 40 cm tray, place half of the batter. Evenly distribute the cherries over the entire surface and cover them with the remaining batter.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170°C and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and passes the toothpick test.
7. Cooling and serving:
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 15 minutes, then you can transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an attractive appearance.
Useful tips and variations
- If you don’t have cherries on hand, you can use any other seasonal fruit, such as cherries, peaches, or blackberries. Each variation will bring a different but equally delicious taste.
- Make sure the egg whites are beaten at room temperature for a more stable foam.
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and low in calories, making them an excellent choice to add a touch of sweetness to your diet. Whole wheat flour can be used instead of white flour to increase fiber intake.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, frozen fruit is an excellent alternative. Make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using.
2. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, this cake can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
3. How do I keep the cake fresh?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Cherry cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a way to bring family and friends together, create memories, and celebrate beautiful moments. I invite you to indulge in this delight and share it with your loved ones!
Ingredients: 1 kg of sour cherries, 500 g of flour, 150 ml of oil, 300 ml of milk, 375 g of powdered sugar, 6 eggs, juice and zest of one lemon, salt, 1 and a half packets of baking powder, 3 packets of vanilla, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of semolina for sour cherries
