Cherry cake
Fluffy Cherry Cake: A Seasonal Delight
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
The cherry cake is a perfect choice to celebrate summer when cherries are in full season. This simple and quick recipe brings a fresh taste and a fluffy texture that will surely delight everyone who tastes it. The cherries, with their sweet-sour aroma, perfectly combine with the soft dough, creating a dessert that is not only delicious but also colorful.
A Brief History of the Recipe
Fruit cakes are an ancient culinary tradition, prepared in countless variations around the world. They are often associated with harvest season, and using fresh fruits is an excellent way to make the most of seasonal ingredients. Cherries, in particular, have been appreciated throughout history not only for their taste but also for the nutritional benefits they offer.
Your Basic Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 6 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
- 250 g margarine or butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 600 g cherries (fresh, pitted)
- 300 g sugar
- 300 ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Tips
For a truly delicious cherry cake, choose well-ripened cherries, preferably from the local market. Sweeter cherries will make the cake less tart, but if you prefer a more sour note, you can opt for less ripe cherries. Additionally, using butter instead of margarine will add extra flavor and richness to your dessert.
Preparation Technique
1. Preparing the dough: Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, mix the margarine (or butter) with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Make sure the margarine is at room temperature for easy incorporation.
2. Adding the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
3. Including dry ingredients: Pour half of the milk and gradually add the flour mixed with the baking powder, continuing to mix. Add the remaining milk and mix until you obtain a fine and homogeneous composition.
4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. This will make the cake fluffy. Once the egg whites have stiffened, gently fold them into the dough with upward motions to avoid losing the air in the mixture.
5. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour the dough evenly into the pan.
6. Adding the cherries: Wash the cherries, pit them, and arrange them evenly on top of the dough. If you want a sweeter cake, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cherries.
7. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius to ensure the cake bakes evenly and does not brown too quickly.
8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan. After cooling, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and cut it into your desired shape. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.
Variations and Suggestions
For an interesting twist, you can add some chopped nuts to the dough or substitute the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums. Additionally, adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough will bring a warm and comforting flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a healthy ingredient in desserts. Whole wheat flour, if used instead of white flour, adds even more fiber and nutrients. This cake, despite its deliciousness, can be a relatively healthy choice when consumed in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the dough.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use more sour cherries.
3. How do I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, cut into portions, to enjoy later.
4. What drink pairs well with it?
The cherry cake pairs perfectly with green tea or a glass of fresh lemonade. Additionally, a dry white wine can complement the flavors of the dessert.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This cherry cake will not only fill your home with delicious aromas but will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 500 g flour, 6 eggs, 250 g margarine (butter), 600 g cherries, 300 g sugar, 300 ml milk, 1 sachet of baking powder with saffron, 1 Bourbon vanilla sugar, grated zest of one lemon.
