Yogurt and cherry cake

Yogurt and Cherry Cake - A Fluffy Delight for Summer Days

When seasonal fruits make their appearance at the market stalls, there is nothing more delightful than transforming them into delicious desserts. Yogurt and cherry cake is a simple yet exceptionally tasty recipe that brings a fresh flavor and a fluffy texture. This cake will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of sunshine to every slice. Let’s discover together how to prepare it!

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

Ingredients:

- 300 g soft butter (preferably at room temperature, for easy incorporation)
- 220 g powdered sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
- 5 eggs (at room temperature)
- 350 g flour (sifted for a fine texture)
- 1/2 packet baking powder (about 7 g)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for a fragrant taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence (or grated lemon peel for a natural aroma)
- 180 ml yogurt (preferably Greek, for extra creaminess)
- 200 g cherries (or sour cherries, pitted)
- 100 g crushed almonds (for a crunchy topping)

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure the butter is soft and at room temperature. This will allow for a fluffy cream. Also, prepare the cherries (or sour cherries) by pitting them and cutting them in half if they are large.

2. Make the cream: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the two ingredients at medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This is an essential step for achieving an airy cake.

3. Add the eggs: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the mixture.

4. Incorporate the yogurt: After adding all the yolks, add the yogurt and mix well. The yogurt will add moisture and contribute to the delicate texture of the cake.

5. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, vanilla sugar, and lemon essence. Sifting the flour is important to avoid lumps and ensure a fine texture.

6. Combine the ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter cream, mixing at low speed until well combined.

7. Whip the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step will help aerate the batter, giving it a fluffy texture.

8. Finalize the mixture: Begin to fold the whipped egg whites into the yogurt mixture, gently mixing with a spatula to maintain the air in the egg whites. Be gentle so it doesn’t deflate.

9. Add the cherries: Finally, add the pitted cherries and gently mix to distribute them evenly in the batter.

10. Bake: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Sprinkle the crushed or slivered almonds on top. These will add a crunchy contrast to your cake. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cool and serve: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar and cut it into slices.

12. Enjoy: This cake is perfect served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a more elaborate dessert.

Helpful Tips:

- For an even fluffier cake: An essential trick is to cream the yolks separately from the whites. This will help achieve an airy texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, to give your cake a personalized touch.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Values (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g

In conclusion, the yogurt and cherry cake is an excellent choice for a quick and delicious dessert, full of flavors and varied textures. Whether you prepare it for a picnic, a birthday, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: 300 g butter, 220 g powdered sugar, 5 eggs, 350 g flour, 1/2 baking powder, 1 vanilla sugar, lemon essence, 180 ml yogurt, 200 g cherries or sour cherries, 100 g crushed almonds

 Tags:  cherry cake