Cherry cake

Cherry Cake – a soft delight, perfect for summer days when the aromas of fresh fruits invite us to enjoy nature. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for bringing a slice of indulgence to your table, combining the sweetness of cherries with a fluffy and airy texture. Whether you prepare it for a gathering with friends or a family meal, this cake will surely be a hit!

Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients
- 5 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil works best)
- 10 tablespoons of milk (whole milk for a creamier texture)
- 14 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour for best results)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 10 grams)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or a packet of vanilla sugar)
- 500 g cherries (fresh, well-ripened)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavor)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the cherries well under cold running water. Remove the stems and pits. You can use a special cherry pitter or a manual method, but be careful not to damage the fruit. Fresh, medium-sized cherries are best for this cake as they hold their shape during baking.

2. Separating the eggs: Place the eggs on a plate and separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to beat the egg whites well to give the cake an airy texture. Use a clean spatula to avoid contaminating the egg whites with yolks.

3. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt over the egg whites. Use an electric mixer to beat them until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. This step is essential as it will give the cake a fluffy consistency.

4. Preparing the batter: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. Add the oil and milk, continuing to mix. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, then gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid lumps.

5. Adding flavors: Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula and a gentle up-and-down motion to maintain the aeration.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper (recommended size is 24x37 cm). This step will prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Pouring the batter: Carefully pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Now, evenly place the cherries on top of the batter, pressing them lightly to integrate.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid the cake falling.

9. Cooling and serving: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Expert tip
To add extra flavor, you can try adding some ground almonds to the batter or sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the cherries before baking. Also, if you enjoy flavors, you can replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for an interesting twist.

Nutritional benefits
Cherries are fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and A, as well as fiber. This means that the cake is not only delicious but also brings health benefits. Additionally, the eggs provide protein, while the oil and milk contribute to a healthy fat content.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but make sure they are well dehydrated before adding them to the batter.
- Can I replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour? Yes, but the result may vary depending on the type of flour used.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Delicious combinations
We recommend serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of green tea or an espresso are the perfect accompaniments to enhance the sweet-tart flavor of the cherries.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to try this cherry cake recipe! It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of summer into every bite, and your family will surely appreciate your efforts in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 5 eggs, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of oil, 10 tablespoons of milk, 14 tablespoons of flour, 1 baking powder, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 500 g of cherries, a pinch of salt.