Cherry cake

Cherry cake is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for celebrating summer with a fresh and vibrant taste. This simple recipe is sure to become your family's favorite, featuring a fluffy texture and a sweet-tart flavor thanks to the cherries. Additionally, it's an excellent way to make use of fresh seasonal cherries.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 375 ml milk
- 120 ml oil (sunflower or canola oil is ideal)
- 300 g flour
- 1 kg pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 100 g butter (for greasing the pan)
- a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure the cherries are well washed and pitted. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw and drain any liquid. This step is essential to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.

2. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium). This will ensure even baking and help achieve a golden crust.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar using a mixer. Mix for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Then, gradually add the milk and oil, continuing to mix until well combined.

4. Add the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step helps avoid lumps in the batter. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed.

5. Incorporate the cherries: Once the batter is smooth, add the cherries and gently mix to distribute them evenly. Be careful not to crush them too much, as they will add wonderful flavor and moisture to the cake.

6. Prepare the pan: Grease a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) with butter to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Check if it's done using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. You can serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Add a touch of flavor with a scoop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more flavorful version, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the egg mixture.
- Substitute cherries with other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries to vary the recipe.
- Make sure the cake cools completely before cutting it to get perfect slices.

Enjoy this cherry cake, a simple dessert to prepare that will bring a touch of sunshine to your days!