Cherry cake

Cherry Cake – A Sweet and Tart Delight

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who can resist a cherry cake? This recipe is a classic that brings together the sweetness of sugar and the tartness of cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It is an easy-to-make cake, ideal for summer days, but versatile enough to be enjoyed in any season. Moreover, cherries add a splash of freshness and vibrant color, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Let’s dive into making this cherry cake, which promises to become a family favorite!

Necessary Ingredients

- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 ½ cups of flour
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- Essence of your choice (I used lemon essence)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 500 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- A pinch of salt

Necessary Utensils

- A saucepan
- A baking tray (preferably 30x40 cm)
- A mixer or whisk
- A silicone spatula
- A strainer
- A tablespoon

Preparation of the Cherry Cake – Step by Step

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries well and removing the pits. It is important to let them drain in a strainer to eliminate excess water. This step helps avoid a soggy cake.

2. Separating the eggs: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a firmer foam. Separate the egg whites from the yolks, being careful not to leave any yolk in the whites.

3. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. A useful technique is to use a mixer on high speed, and when the egg whites become fluffy, you can gradually add the sugar. This will help stabilize the foam.

4. Preparing the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, add the sugar and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and you obtain a syrup. Once the syrup is hot, gradually pour it over the beaten egg whites while continuing to mix. It is essential to add the syrup gradually, as you would when making mayonnaise, to prevent the foam from deflating.

5. Adding the yolks and liquid ingredients: Add the yolks, oil, and preferred essence to the egg white mixture. Mix to incorporate well. Finally, sift the flour and gently fold it in with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion to maintain the air in the batter.

6. Preparing the cocoa batter: Take ¼ of the batter and add the sifted cocoa. Gently mix until combined.

7. Assembling the cake: Grease and flour a baking tray. Pour ¾ of the white batter into the tray, then carefully add the cocoa mixture on top. Using a skewer or fork, swirl the mixture gently to create a beautiful marbled effect.

8. Adding the cherries: Evenly distribute the drained cherries on top of the batter. They will add a delicious contrast between the sweet batter and the tart fruit.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for about 30-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Finishing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Suggestions

I recommend serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream to complement the flavors of the cherries. It is perfect for both family gatherings and outdoor picnics.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the cherries with cherries, peaches, or even blueberries. Additionally, for a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of almond or orange extract to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, offering benefits for the immune system and heart health. Moreover, this cake contains eggs, which provide quality protein, and oil, which brings healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them and let them drain well before adding them to the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

3. Can the cake be kept for several days?
Yes, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake will remain good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking! This cherry cake will not only bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones but will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, 5 tablespoons water, 5 tablespoons oil, essence to taste (I used lemon), 2 tablespoons cocoa, 500 g cherries, a pinch of salt

 Tags:  sour cherries cherry cake