Sponge cake with cherries and strawberry glaze

Cherry sponge cake with strawberry glaze

Who doesn't love a quick and delicious dessert? Today, I propose a recipe for cherry sponge cake with a strawberry glaze that will transform any meal into a special occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for beginners, but also for those with experience in the kitchen. Let's discover together the steps to achieve a soft and fragrant sponge cake, full of delicious fruits.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 150 ml oil
- 200 g flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 glass of cherries from compote (about 400 g)
- 100 g strawberry glaze (store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Lemon essence (to taste)
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

Recipe history:
Sponge cake is a classic dessert with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can be customized with various fruits or flavors, making it a favorite among families. The addition of cherries and strawberry glaze brings a contrast of flavors and colors, transforming the dessert into a true work of art.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is essential to use fresh eggs, as they contribute to obtaining a fluffy sponge cake. Also, the cherries from the compote should be well-drained before use to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites
In a large bowl, crack the 4 eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a firm meringue. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
After the egg whites are well beaten, add the yolks mixed with a pinch of salt. Gently incorporate the oil and lemon essence, mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture. Then, mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually add them to the mixture, stirring gently.

Step 4: Preparing the cherries
Drain the cherries from the compote and to help them not sink to the bottom of the sponge cake, you can coat them with a thin layer of flour. This simple trick will ensure that the cherries disperse evenly in the batter.

Step 5: Preparing the cocoa mixture
Keep about a quarter of the obtained batter and mix it with the tablespoon of cocoa. This will add a chocolate note and a very attractive color contrast.

Step 6: Assembling and baking
Prepare a baking pan, preferably silicone, which you lightly grease with oil or butter. Pour half of the white mixture into the pan, evenly place the cherries, and then pour the other half of the cocoa mixture on top. This technique will create a marbled effect, adding a unique visual aspect to the dessert. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the sponge cake in for 30-45 minutes. It is important to check the baking with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the sponge cake is ready.

Step 7: Glazing
After the sponge cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the pan. Here comes the fun part: pour the strawberry glaze on top. This will not only add a wonderful taste but will also give a shiny and appetizing appearance to the dessert.

Step 8: Serving
The cherry sponge cake with strawberry glaze is perfectly served alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Offer it as a delicious dessert at a dinner with friends or simply to indulge yourself.

Useful tips:
1. If you want a more intense citrus flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture.
2. You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to vary the recipe.
3. Make sure not to add too many cherries to avoid affecting the texture of the sponge cake.
4. The sponge cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days but is also delicious at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I do if I don't have strawberry glaze?
You can prepare a simple glaze from powdered sugar and lemon juice or you can use melted chocolate for a different taste.

2. Is it possible to make the sponge cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to maintain the consistency.

3. Can I freeze the sponge cake?
Yes, it is a good idea to freeze the sponge cake without glaze. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Nutritional benefits:
This dessert contains protein from eggs, which is essential for muscle health, and cherries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, the strawberry glaze provides an extra dose of vitamin C. The sponge cake is a good choice to satisfy the sweet craving without being too heavy.

Now that you have discovered all the secrets to preparing a cherry sponge cake with strawberry glaze, all that's left is to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure! Whether it's for a special celebration or a simple Sunday, this dessert will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 200g sugar, 150g oil, 200g flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 glass of canned sour cherries, 100g strawberry glaze, a pinch of baking powder, lemon essence, zest of one lemon, 2 packets of vanilla sugar.

 Tags:  sour cherries cocoa