Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - A Fluffy Summer Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

When it comes to desserts that combine freshness with sweetness, cherry cake undoubtedly tops the list. This fluffy cake, with a delicate crumb and juicy cherries, is perfect for both festive meals and a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Short History
Cherry cake has its origins in the pastry traditions of many cultures, where seasonal fruits are used to create delicious desserts. Cherries, with their intense and slightly tart flavor, have always been appreciated for their versatility. This simple and quick recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a symbol of family goodness and summer gatherings.

Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 8 eggs (fresh, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 250 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 packet of vanilla sugar)
- 100 g butter (melted, for a rich taste)
- 300 ml cold milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 400 g cherries (preferably fresh, but frozen ones are excellent too)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Necessary Utensils
- Rectangular baking pan (approximately 30x20 cm)
- Electric mixer
- Large bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Sifter for flour
- Knife and cutting board for cherries

Step by Step

1. Preparing the oven and the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential as a well-heated oven ensures even baking. Meanwhile, grease the rectangular baking pan with butter or a little oil to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Whipping the egg whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the mixer until they form stiff peaks. It is important that there is no trace of yolk in the bowl, as fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well. A good idea is to use a stainless steel or glass bowl, as they do not retain fat like plastic ones.

3. Preparing the base mixture
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and sugar. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth cream. Add the cold milk, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing carefully. Finally, incorporate the flour and baking powder. It is essential to sift the flour to avoid lumps.

4. Combining the ingredients
Once the mixture is well combined, take the whipped egg whites and fold them into the yolk mixture. Use a spatula and mix gently with folding motions. This step will help maintain the air in the egg whites, resulting in a fluffy cake.

5. Adding the cherries
If using fresh cherries, wash them well and remove the pits. If you opt for frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain well to avoid excess water in the mixture. Add the cherries to the batter, mixing gently to distribute them evenly.

6. Baking the cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until it turns golden. To check if it is baked, use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. After it has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and cut it into squares or diamonds, according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions
This cherry cake is delicious both plain and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. A warm drink, such as herbal tea or cappuccino, perfectly complements the enjoyment.

Possible Variations
If you wish to experiment, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or raspberries. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds for added texture.

Nutritional Information
This cake contains beneficial ingredients such as eggs, which are an excellent source of protein, and cherries, rich in antioxidants. One serving (approximately 100 g) has about 250 calories, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying but not overly heavy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! Cherries, raspberries, or blueberries are excellent options and add a different note to the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled and wrap it well in cling film to prevent freezer burn.

4. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Of course! Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour, and add a binding agent, such as chia seeds or psyllium.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Imagine the aroma that will fill your home as this delicious cake bakes. A cherry cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience full of joy and nostalgia that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour 8 eggs 250 g sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar) 100 g butter (melted) 300 ml milk (cold) 1 baking powder a pinch of salt 2 boxes of frozen cherries powdered sugar for decoration

 Tags:  sour cherries cake vanilla eggs