Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake: A Spring Delicacy with Cherries

Who doesn't love a refined dessert that brings a touch of freshness and sweetness to everyday life? The Cherry Cake is just that: a savory combination of light sponge cake, vanilla cream, and delicious cherries, all covered with a decadent chocolate glaze. It's a perfect recipe for special occasions or simply to indulge after a long day. Let's discover together how we can prepare this wonderful cake.

Preparation Time
- Active time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Total time: About 3 hours
- Number of servings: 24

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 small cup (approximately 100 ml) of oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of coffee (optional, for a hint of flavor)
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the vanilla cream:
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml whipped cream

For the ganache cream:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (approximately 100 g)

For the chocolate glaze:
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (approximately 100 g)

Additionally:
- Cherry jam (approximately 200 g)
- 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup
- 2 glasses of sparkling water

The History of Cherry Cake

The Cherry Cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, blending pastry techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Cherries, a symbol of spring and joy, bring a touch of nature to this recipe. Over time, the dessert has evolved, but its essence has remained constant: a cake that delights the senses.

Step by Step: Preparing Cherry Cake

1. Preparing the Sponge

The first step in making this cake is to prepare the sponge. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

- Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer to beat them until frothy.
- Add the sugar: Continue mixing, gradually adding the sugar, until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
- Incorporate the yolks: Add the yolks, oil, lemon juice, and coffee (if you choose to use it). Mix until well combined.
- Sift the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder and gradually add them to the mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for about 30 minutes. Check if it’s done with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the Vanilla Cream

While the sponge cools, you can prepare the vanilla cream.

- Combine the ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the yolks, sugar, and flour. Gradually add the warm milk, stirring continuously.
- Thicken the cream: Place the saucepan over low heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. It's important not to let the cream boil to avoid lumps.
- Add the butter and vanilla: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from heat and add the butter and vanilla essence. Mix well until the butter is completely melted. Let the cream cool slightly, then fold in the whipped cream for a light and airy texture.

3. Preparing the Cherry Syrup

To add moisture and flavor to the sponge, prepare a cherry syrup.

- Mix the syrup: In two glasses of sparkling water, add cherry syrup to taste. One tablespoon per glass is a good proportion, but you can adjust according to your preferences.

4. Assembling the Cake

Now that all components are ready, it's time to assemble the cake!

- Cut the sponge: Using a large, sharp knife, cut the sponge into two equal layers.
- Soak: Use one glass of syrup for each layer of sponge, ensuring it is well soaked.
- Add the cream: Place one layer of sponge on a platter and spread the vanilla cream evenly over it. Add the cherries from the jam here and there.
- Cover: Place the other layer of sponge on top and press gently to secure it.

5. Preparing the Chocolate Glaze

The glaze is an essential element that will give the cake an attractive appearance and irresistible taste.

- Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat one tablespoon of milk. Add the chopped chocolate and stir constantly over low heat until melted.
- Pour the glaze: Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out.

6. Preparing the Ganache Cream

For an elegant finish, you can create a ganache cream.

- Heat the cream: In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream until warm, but do not boil it.
- Add the chocolate: Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and you have a smooth mixture.
- Cool and whip: Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for another 10 minutes. After that, whip it with a mixer until creamy and airy.

7. Decorating the Cake

It’s time to add a final touch to your cake.

- Cut and decorate: Cut the cake into squares or desired shapes. Use the ganache cream to decorate each piece. Add a cherry from the jam on each serving for an elegant and appetizing look.

Serving and Recommendations

Cherry Cake is best served chilled, and for a delicious contrast, you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a salted caramel sauce. It's perfect for a summer lunch but also for an elegant dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the cherries from the jam?
Yes, you can use other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches to create delicious variations of the recipe.

2. How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It can be consumed for 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to make the cake without coffee?
Absolutely! The coffee only adds a subtle hint of flavor, so you can completely omit it or replace it with milk or water.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of Cherry Cake has approximately 250 calories, making it a good choice for a moderate dessert. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and contribute to heart health. It is a dessert that combines pleasure with nutritional benefits.

Final Note

Cherry Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will delight your family and friends. I invite you to try this recipe and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the sponge cake: 5 eggs, a pinch of salt, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of coffee, 6 tablespoons of flour, a packet of baking powder. For the vanilla cream: 2 egg yolks, 200 ml of milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, 50 g of butter, 100 ml of whipped cream. For the ganache cream: 200 ml of liquid cream, 1 bar of milk chocolate. For the chocolate glaze: 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 bar of milk chocolate. Additionally: cherry jam, 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup, and sparkling water.