Cherry sponge cake

Fluffy cherry sponge cake: a delicious and simple dessert

In search of a quick and tasty dessert, nothing compares to a fluffy sponge cake filled with sweet-sour cherries. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. The origins of sponge cake are lost in the mists of time, but it has certainly become a favorite in many households, being a versatile dessert that is easy to make and perfect for using seasonal or canned fruits.

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

Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (200 ml)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 300 g)
- 1 cup of milk (200 ml), supplemented with oil (approximately 50 ml)
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 and a half jars of pitted cherries in syrup (400 ml jar)
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

The ingredients are simple but of good quality. Make sure the eggs are fresh and the cherries have an intense flavor. If you are using canned cherries, drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the batter.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray (30x20 cm) and line it with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

2. Separating the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Ensure no traces of yolk remain in the whites, as they need to be beaten until firm.

3. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks and sugar. Mix them with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy.

4. Adding wet ingredients: Add the milk and oil alternately, mixing gently. Make sure the milk is at room temperature so as not to affect the mixing process.

5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour over the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula or palette. This will help retain air in the mixture and make the sponge cake fluffy.

6. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them until you achieve a firm foam. This will add volume and airiness to your layers.

7. Incorporating the egg whites: Add a quarter of the egg whites to the yolk mixture and gently mix to lighten it. Then, fold in the remaining egg whites, being careful not to lose volume. Use gentle folding motions.

8. Adding the cherries: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, gently fold in the cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

9. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius. Then, reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 20 minutes.

10. Toothpick test: At the end of the 40 minutes, perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the sponge cake. If it comes out clean, the dessert is ready.

11. Cooling and dusting: Allow the sponge cake to cool in the oven with the door ajar to prevent sudden cracking. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into portions.

Serving suggestions: This fluffy cherry sponge cake is delicious served plain, but it can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a perfect contrast between hot and cold. You can also try serving it with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, which will highlight the sweet-sour flavors of the cherries.

Possible variations:
- You can replace the cherries with other fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or apples, depending on the season.
- Add some chopped nuts or coconut flakes for an interesting texture.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can incorporate a teaspoon of grated lemon or orange zest into the batter.

Nutritional benefits: This sponge cake offers a mix of protein from the eggs, carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, and cherries provide a touch of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, it is a lower-calorie dessert compared to other cakes, having approximately 180 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but note that the texture will be different.
- How can I make the sponge cake moister? Add a tablespoon of yogurt to the mixture, which will add moisture and a delicious flavor.
- Can this sponge cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze portions of sponge cake. Make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn.

This fluffy cherry sponge cake is perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a party with friends. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a creative topping, it will bring smiles and applause from everyone who tries it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 6 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, topped with oil, vanilla, salt, 1 and a half jars of pitted cherries from syrup (400 ml jar), optional powdered sugar.

 Tags:  cherry sponge cake cherry pie