Seasonal cherry cake
Cherry Cake in Season - A Fruity Delight
Nothing compares to the fresh aroma of cherries in the warm season. This cherry cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert, perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or a family meal. With a fluffy texture and a sweet-tart taste, this cake is sure to become a favorite for everyone.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-14 servings
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 300 g sugar
- 1 cube of margarine (approximately 250 g), at room temperature
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 250 ml milk
- 300 g flour
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh seasonal cherries (amount varies depending on the size of the pan - approximately 300-400 g for a 30cm x 40cm pan)
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar for dusting at the end
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a fluffier cake. Start by washing the cherries and removing the pits. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and drain well.
2. Beat the Egg Yolks:
In a large bowl, add the 6 egg yolks and 300 g of sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
3. Add the Margarine:
Incorporate the cubed margarine into the egg yolk mixture, continuing to mix until fully integrated. The margarine gives the cake a soft and moist texture.
4. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Add the milk (250 ml) and grated lemon zest to the mixture. Mix well, ensuring each ingredient is fully incorporated.
5. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour (300 g), baking powder (1 packet), and a pinch of salt. Sift the mixture to prevent lumps. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this could develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense.
6. Adding the Cherries:
Once you have a homogeneous batter, add the cherries. Gently mix to distribute them evenly in the batter.
7. Baking the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the baking pan (30 cm x 40 cm) with a little oil or margarine and line it with flour or baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with vanilla sugar for a delicious look and enriched aroma.
Practical Tips
- Ingredient Variations: You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or plums. You can also add some chopped nuts for an interesting texture.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Give it a sophisticated touch by decorating with fresh mint leaves.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This cake contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as vitamins and antioxidants from cherries, which are beneficial for the immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but make sure they are well drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g without affecting the cake's texture.
- What can I do with leftover cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can cut it into cubes and use it as a base for a parfait with yogurt and fruits.
Conclusion
The seasonal cherry cake is a dessert that brings a touch of joy to any moment of the day. It is easy to prepare, with accessible ingredients and an unforgettable taste. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and experiment with different variations to find the perfect combination for you and your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 6 egg yolks, 300 g sugar, 1 cube of Rama margarine, 1 baking powder, 250 ml milk, 300 g flour, finely grated zest of one lemon, a pinch of salt, cherries, depending on the size of the tray - the recipe is for a tray measuring 30cm/40cm, 4 packets of vanilla sugar for dusting when ready.