Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - A Classic and Fluffy Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake full of fresh fruit? Cherry cake is a simple, yet flavorful dessert that brings a touch of joy to every meal. This recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and has deep roots in culinary traditions. It's perfect to serve at a get-together with friends or a family meal, but also as a quick dessert to indulge after a long day.

Ingredients:
- 8 whole eggs (make sure they are room temperature)
- 240 g sugar (preferably granulated white sugar)
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar (for a savory and sweet taste)
- 160 g butter (melted and cooled, but not hot)
- 270 g flour (sifted to aerate)
- 300 g fresh cherries (washed, pitted and drained)
- Pinch of salt (to intensify the flavors)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step by step:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by taking the eggs out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours before you start cooking. The temperatures the eggs are at can affect the final texture of the cake. Also, wash the cherries and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

2. Sifting the Flour:
In a large bowl, sift the flour. This step isn't just a formality - it helps the dough to be light and fluffy, as the air in the flour will help the cake rise.

3. Beat Eggs and Sugar:
In another bowl, add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar and salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat the mixture for about 25 minutes. You'll notice the eggs light in color and triple in volume. This is the secret to a fluffy pancake!

4. Incorporating the Flour:
Start adding the sifted flour, 3 tablespoons at a time, stirring gently with a spatula. It's important to use an up and down motion so you don't lose air in the mixture. Keep adding the flour until the end.

5. Adding the Butter:
Now it's time to incorporate the melted and cooled butter. Add it gradually, in 3-4 batches, stirring carefully. The final texture of the dough should be fluffy but firm.

6. Adding the Cherries:
To the resulting dough, add half the amount of cherries. Stir gently, so that you don't crush the fruit, but incorporate it evenly into the mixture.

7. Prepare the pan:
Take a 12x12-inch baking pan and line with baking paper. This step will prevent the cake from sticking. Turn the batter into the pan and gently level it with a spatula.

8. Adding the Leftover Cherries:
Arrange the remaining cherries on top of the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed. They will provide a delicious look and burst of flavor in each slice.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. IMPORTANT: Do not open the oven during baking as this may cause the dough to fall.

10. Cooling:
Once the cake has baked and has turned a golden color, turn off the oven and leave the door ajar, allowing the dessert to cool gradually inside. This will prevent the cake from cracking.

11. Serving:
Once the cake has cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar. Cut into portions and serve with hot tea or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.

Practical Tips:
- Cherries: If you don't have fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to let them thaw and drain well before using.
- Vegan: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 240 ml almond milk and 1/4 cup mashed banana. Use vegan butter to make the dessert completely vegan.
- Flavored Sugar: Experiment with different types of sugar (coconut sugar or muscovado sugar) to give your cake a deeper flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrate: 34 g
- Protein: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in cling wrap.

2. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, apples or raspberries for a different take on this dessert.

3. Is the cake suitable for a special event?
This cake is perfect for birthdays or parties, thanks to its attractive appearance and delicious taste.

I hope you'll enjoy every bite of this cherry cake, full of memories and flavor! Maybe it will become a new tradition in your family. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 8 whole eggs 240 g of sugar 160 g of melted and cooled butter 270 g of flour 300 g of washed cherries, pitted and drained a packet of vanilla sugar powdered sugar for decoration