Quick cake with strawberry/cherry jam

Quick Cake with Strawberry or Sour Cherry Jam

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

On a sunny spring day, I discovered this simple and delicious recipe for a quick cake with strawberry and sour cherry jam. The soft, roll-like base is topped with a generous layer of jam, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

It is an ideal dessert to enjoy a quiet afternoon with loved ones or to bring a touch of joy to busier days. Additionally, it is a great way to take advantage of seasonal jams, whether it's fresh strawberries or homemade sour cherry jam.

Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- strawberry and sour cherry jam (or your preferences)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. It's essential for the eggs to be at room temperature to achieve a more stable foam. You can also use strawberry jam, sour cherries, or a combination of both, depending on your preferences.

2. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It's important to use a clean bowl for the egg whites, as any trace of fat can prevent the formation of the foam.

3. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a mixer to beat this mixture until it becomes a light-colored cream, and the sugar dissolves completely. This is the secret to an airy base!

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and start beating them with a mixer. Continue beating until you achieve a firm foam that should have a consistency similar to whipped cream. This step is crucial for aerating the base.

5. Combining the ingredients: Carefully add the beaten egg whites over the yolk mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold in the egg whites so that you don't lose the air in the mixture. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing with gentle up-and-down motions.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Before pouring in the mixture, grease a smaller baking pan with oil and line it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking. Using a smaller pan will make the base a little thicker, providing a more pleasant texture.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for about 15 minutes. You will know it's ready when the base is firm to the touch and has started to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan.

8. Adding the jam: After removing the pan from the oven, let the base cool slightly. Then, generously spread the strawberry and sour cherry jam over the entire surface. The jam will add moisture and an intense flavor, perfect for complementing the airy base.

9. Cutting and serving: Cut the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferences. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea for an absolutely indulgent moment.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the strawberry and sour cherry jam with other types of jam, such as peach or plum, to experiment with different flavors.
- If you like a more pronounced taste, add a few drops of lemon juice to the jam to give it a note of freshness.
- Make sure not to open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the cake to sink.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use quail eggs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use quail eggs, but keep in mind that for the equivalent of 5 chicken eggs, you will need about 15 quail eggs.

2. How do I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you have leftover cake, you can refrigerate it, but it is best consumed fresh.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the plain base, but it is recommended to add the jam only before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

This cake with strawberry and sour cherry jam is more than just a simple dessert; it is a way to bring joy and flavor into every day. Invite friends and family to join this culinary experience and turn every meal into a special moment. Enjoy!