Summer cake with sour cherries

Summer Cherry Cake: a refreshing delight for hot days

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert, perfect for hot summer days, cherry cake is the ideal choice. With a delicious mix of tart cherries, smooth mascarpone cream, and a crunchy layer of ladyfingers, this cake will surely become the star of summer evenings.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 6 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Your ingredients for a summer cherry cake:

- 300 g pitted cherries
- 32 ladyfingers
- 500 ml cooking cream (at least 32% fat)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 250-300 ml freshly brewed coffee
- 20 ml Disaronno or a very aromatic spirit
- 100 g cooking chocolate
- 50 ml full-fat milk
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2 packets of whipped cream stabilizer

A bit of history

Cherry cakes have a long tradition in kitchens around the world, being appreciated for the perfect combination of acidity and sweetness. This recipe draws inspiration from classic dessert preparation techniques but adds a touch of modernity through the use of creamy mascarpone.

Step by step: how to prepare the summer cherry cake

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries and removing the pits. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle a little sugar over them. Gently mix and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help release the natural juice of the cherries, intensifying the flavor.

2. Mascarpone cream: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Use an electric mixer to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Continue beating until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Add the mascarpone and mix until smooth. This combination will give the cake a wonderful creaminess.

3. Whipping the cream: Then, in another bowl, whip the cooking cream together with the whipped cream stabilizer. Continue whipping until the cream becomes firm and no longer flows from the bowl. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

4. Combining the ingredients: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and mix gently so as not to lose the air incorporated into the cream. Once the mixture is smooth, refrigerate it to firm up a bit.

5. Assembling the cake: Prepare the freshly brewed coffee and let it cool. Add Disaronno or your chosen spirit to the coffee for extra flavor. Start assembling the cake: dip the ladyfingers in the coffee, making sure not to leave them too long to avoid them getting overly soggy. Place a layer of ladyfingers on a platter, followed by a layer of mascarpone cream. Continue alternating layers, finishing with a layer of ladyfingers.

6. Finalizing: Finally, place the cherries on top of the last layer of ladyfingers and add a generous layer of the remaining mascarpone cream.

7. Melted chocolate: To give your cake an elegant look, melt the cooking chocolate in a bain-marie with the milk. If desired, add rum essence or even a little brandy for a more intense flavor. Let the chocolate cool slightly before pouring it over the cake, using a spoon to create artistic patterns.

8. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (ideally overnight) so that the flavors combine perfectly.

Serving and variations

A unique detail to add a touch of originality to your cake is to serve it with a spoonful of chocolate sauce or a few fresh cherries on top. You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, to create delicious variations. Additionally, the cake pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a refreshing summer cocktail.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, while mascarpone provides calcium and protein. Although the cream is richer, it adds a creamy texture and is full of flavor. It is important to enjoy this dessert in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content, but it will certainly be a well-deserved treat.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can experiment with fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar added to the cream and use tarter fresh cherries.

3. Can I replace Disaronno with another drink?
Absolutely! You can use any aromatic spirit, such as Amaretto or a fruit liqueur.

4. How long does the cake keep in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it tastes best after chilling for 6 hours.

I wish you much success in preparing this delicious cake! It is a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, offering a perfect dessert for any occasion. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite and share the joy with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: - 300g pitted cherries; - 32 ladyfingers; - 500ml cooking cream > 32%; - 3 egg yolks; - 3 tablespoons of sugar; - 250 - 300ml coffee; - 20ml Disarono or a very aromatic spirit; - 100g cooking chocolate; - 50ml full-fat sweet milk; - 250g mascarpone; - 2 packets of whipped cream stabilizer.