Sponge cake with caramelized cherries

Caramelized Strawberry Pandispan: A Sweet and Flavoured Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Description:
If you're looking for a quick, simple dessert with a great visual and taste impact, then caramelized cherry pandispan is the perfect choice. This dish combines the fluffy texture of pandispan with the intense and tangy flavor of cherries, providing an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this dessert will bring joy to any meal.

A brief history:
Pandispan, a classic dessert, has deep roots in culinary traditions. Over time, it has been adapted with different ingredients and evolved according to the tastes and customs of each culture. Combining cherries with pandispan is a popular choice because of the contrast between the sweetness of the batter and the tartness of the fruit. This dessert not only blends flavors but also memories, reminding us of sunny days spent with loved ones.

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons flour
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 2 sachets baking powder
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 300 g cherries (fresh or compote, drained)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 sachet commercial caramel icing

Preparation Technique:
1 Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature for best results.

2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff and fluffy. This step is essential as the air incorporated into the egg whites will give the pandispan its special texture.

3. In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar and oil until smooth and light in color. Add the vanilla and lemon essences and continue mixing.

4. Carefully fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Use a spatula, stirring gently so as not to lose air from the egg whites.

5. Si sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add to the egg mixture. Mix gently with a spatula until smooth.

6. Prepare a baking pan (approx. 30x20 cm), grease it with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Pour the mixture into the pan, using a spatula to even it out.

8. In a separate bowl, toss the cherries with 2 tablespoons flour and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This trick will help keep the cherries from sticking to the bottom of the bread during baking. Add the cherries evenly over the mixture in the pan.

9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the pandispan is golden brown and passes the toothpick test (sanded in the middle, the toothpick should come out clean).

10. Once baked, allow the pandispan to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

11. Prepare the caramel glaze according to the instructions on the packet. Once the pandispan is completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly for an attractive look.

12. Place the pandispan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the frosting hardens.

Serving:
Place the caramelized cherry pandispan on a fancy platter and cut into squares. You can serve it plain or combine with vanilla ice cream for a hot/cold contrast. A vanilla or chocolate sauce would also add extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- If using compote cherries, be sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture.
- You can experiment with other fruits such as cherries or peaches to diversify the recipe.
- For a touch of originality, add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.
- Make sure not to open the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the pandispan from falling.

Nutritional benefits:
Not only is cherry pandispan not only delicious, it's also nutritious. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Plus, eggs and oil add protein and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain well before adding them to the batter.

2. What can I do if I don't have wheat flour?
You can use almond flour or another gluten-free alternative, but the texture may vary.

3. How can I store pandispan?
Pandispan keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This caramelized cherry pandispan is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring a smile to anyone's face. I wish you cooking and joy in every bite!

 Ingredients: 6 eggs, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 10 of flour, 5 of oil, 2 packets of baking powder, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, lemon essence, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, cherries, a pinch of salt, 1 packet of commercial caramel glaze.