Cherry Cake by Laura

Delicious Cherry Cake: A Sweet Indulgence

Total Preparation Time: 60-70 minutes
Number of Servings: 10-12

This cherry cake is a classic recipe with a modern twist, combining the sweetness of raspberries with a fresh lemon and vanilla flavor. It is perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or as a dessert after a hearty meal. Additionally, it is a fantastic recipe for using frozen cherries, an excellent choice to bring a touch of summer to the cold winter days.

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 300 g sugar
- 1 baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 cup of oil (approximately 250 ml)
- 2 cups of milk (approximately 500 ml)
- 2 large eggs + 3 egg whites (optional but recommended)
- 100 g cherries (optional, can use up to 300 g, depending on preference)
- 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon

Recipe History:
The cherry cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, often prepared to celebrate the seasons. The cherries, with their tart flavor, provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the batter, while the lemon and vanilla enhance this blend of flavors. This cake is a symbol of summer, but thanks to the freezing technique, it can be enjoyed in any season.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Make sure the cherries are completely thawed. It is ideal to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or, if you're in a hurry, to leave them at room temperature for a few hours. This will help maintain their texture.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and sugar (both regular and vanilla sugar). This step is essential to prevent lumps in the batter and to ensure an even cake.

3. Preparing the Batter:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the oil and gradually the milk. It is important to mix constantly to achieve a homogeneous composition. Add the vanilla and lemon essences along with the grated lemon zest. This will provide a fresh aroma and enhance the cake's flavor.

4. Combining the Ingredients:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula or whisk. It is important not to overmix to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which could lead to a dense cake.

5. Adding the Cherries:
Once the batter is homogeneous, add the cherries, ensuring they are drained of excess liquid (if you used frozen cherries). Use a spatula to carefully fold them into the batter.

6. Preparing the Baking Tray:
Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tray. You can use a tray of approximately 30x40 cm for a thinner cake or a smaller tray for a taller cake.

7. Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared tray and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is recommended not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid affecting the rising process.

8. Cooling and Serving:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions:
The cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweet cream. You can also serve it with a chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with cherries or raspberries. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Result:
- Use room temperature ingredients for better homogenization.
- Don't hesitate to adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the cherries.
- If desired, you can add a pinch of cinnamon for an even richer flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, but it should be noted that it is also high in calories due to the sugar and oil. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it an indulgent dessert. The cherries provide a good supply of vitamins and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well from the syrup to avoid excess moisture.

2. How can I store the cake?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Is it possible to reduce the amount of sugar?
Sure! You can reduce the sugar to 200 g, and the cake will still be delicious.

Try this cherry cake and enjoy intense flavors and delicate textures. As simple as it is, it will quickly become a family favorite!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour 300 g sugar 1 baking powder 1 packet vanilla sugar 1 cup of oil 2 cups of milk 2 eggs + 3 egg whites (optional) 100 g cherries (if available, use 300 g) vanilla essence, lemon grated lemon peel

 Tags:  cherry cake