Sour Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - A Holiday Delight

The winter holidays are approaching, and this cherry cake is the perfect choice to bring a touch of magic to festive tables. The refreshing taste of cherries, combined with the fluffy sponge and fine whipped cream, will delight every guest. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, with a result that will leave everyone in awe. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 large eggs
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 12 tablespoons flour (ideally type 000 or 550)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 100 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

For the cream and decoration:
- 1-2 jars of canned cherries (or fresh cherries, if in season)
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 500 ml cream (use natural cream, not from a spray)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of cream stabilizer

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Sponge:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It's important for the temperature to be constant to achieve an even sponge.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until you get a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This will be the fluffy base of the cake.
- Add the baking powder, salt, and water, mixing continuously. It is recommended to use warm water to help activate the baking powder.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Sifted flour will help achieve an airy sponge.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie and let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. Gently mix to avoid losing air from the sponge.

2. Whipping the Egg Whites:
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give the necessary structure to the cake.
- Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix gently, from top to bottom, to retain the air in the egg whites.

3. Baking the Sponge:
- Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.

4. Filling and Decorating:
- Remove the sponge from the pan and cut it in half. Soak the bottom layer with cherry syrup to add moisture and flavor.
- Drain the cherries from the can and prepare the whipped cream: whip the cream with sugar and stabilizer until firm.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream (about half of the amount) on the bottom layer, followed by a layer of cherries. This is when the cherries will add their freshness and acidity.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the cake with the remaining whipped cream. If you want an elegant look, you can save a little whipped cream to make rosettes on the edges.

5. Final Decoration:
- Melt the chocolate and pour it onto a marble slab, letting it dry slightly. Use a spatula to shave it into chocolate flakes.
- Decorate the cake with chocolate flakes, whipped cream rosettes, and, of course, a few cherries for an attractive look.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa) for an intense flavor. Also, canned cherries can be replaced with fresh cherries in season, but make sure to sweeten them a bit.
- Pairing Drinks: The cherry cake pairs wonderfully with sparkling wine or homemade lemonade with mint, adding a contrast of flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with gluten-free flour blends.
- Storage: The cake keeps in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

The cherry cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also brings nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while dark chocolate contains flavonoids, beneficial for health. However, be mindful of portions, as each serving has about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Of course! You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches, cherries, or strawberries, adjusting the baking time based on their moisture content.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

This cherry cake is a wonderful choice for any occasion, bringing a touch of joy and flavor to holiday tables. I invite you to prepare it and share sweet moments with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the base: 6 eggs, 12 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of water, 12 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, 100 g of dark chocolate. For the cream & decoration: 1-2 jars of sour cherries from compote, 100 g of dark chocolate, 500 ml of whipped cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 packets of whipped cream stabilizer.

 Tags:  cherry cake