Cherry sponge cake

Cherry Sponge Cake: A Fluffy and Fragrant Delight

A simple yet exceptionally delicious dessert, cherry sponge cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. With its fluffy texture and sweet-tart flavor, this sponge cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Get ready to impress everyone with this easy-to-make recipe that will bring a touch of joy to every slice!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 5 eggs (preferably from free-range hens for better flavor)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
- 6 tablespoons of flour (white wheat flour is ideal, but you can also use whole grain for a more robust flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil are the most common)
- 7 g baking powder (to achieve a light texture)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor)
- 20 cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)

Preparation of Ingredients

Eggs: It’s essential to take the eggs out of the refrigerator about an hour before you start cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. This helps achieve a more stable foam.

Cherries: Wash the cherries well and remove the pits. Place them in a strainer to drain excess water. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure they are well drained before adding them to the batter.

Step by Step: Preparing the Sponge Cake

1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Start by beating the egg whites with half of the sugar (3.5 tablespoons) using an electric mixer. Whip until you achieve a stiff, glossy foam that forms firm peaks. This step is crucial for ensuring a fluffy texture in the sponge cake.

2. Preparing the Egg Yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar (3.5 tablespoons) using a whisk or a mixer on low speed. Add the oil and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.

3. Combining the Mixtures: Add the yolk mixture to the egg whites, along with a pinch of salt and the baking powder. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together with upward motions to maintain the air in the egg whites.

4. Incorporating the Flour: Sift the flour over the mixture and mix on low speed, just until the ingredients are fully combined. It’s important not to overmix to avoid deflating the batter.

5. Preparing the Baking Pan: Grease a loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the sponge cake from sticking.

6. Adding the Cherries: Toss the cherries in a tablespoon of flour (this trick helps prevent them from sinking) and distribute them evenly over the batter in the pan.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and let the sponge cake bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling: After removing it from the oven, leave the oven door slightly ajar for 10-15 minutes. This step helps prevent the sponge cake from collapsing due to sudden temperature changes.

Serving

The cherry sponge cake is served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a fresh fruit sauce. You can also opt for vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a delicious contrast of flavors. It’s a versatile dessert that can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Helpful Tips

- For an even more intense flavor: You can add lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Variations: Instead of cherries, you can use sweet cherries, raspberries, or even peaches. Each variation will bring a new taste and different texture.
- Storage: The sponge cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

Nutritional Benefits

This sponge cake is rich in protein due to the eggs, and cherries provide vitamins and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, it’s a good choice for a dessert or a sweet snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids.

2. How can I prevent the sponge cake from collapsing?
Make sure the egg whites are beaten well and that you don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using egg substitutes, such as banana puree or soy yogurt, but the final result will be different.

4. What drinks pair best with it?
The cherry sponge cake pairs perfectly with a latte, green tea, or a sweet wine for a pleasant contrast.

In conclusion, cherry sponge cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that combines flavors and textures in an irresistible way. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites! Make it with love and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: 5 eggs, 7 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of oil, 7 grams of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, 20 cherries

 Tags:  cherry cake