Peacock eyes

Peacock Eye Cake - Delight with Cherries and Poppy Seeds

When it comes to desserts, some of the most delightful recipes are those that remind us of moments spent with loved ones, savoring a simple yet flavorful cake. The Peacock Eye Cake is such a culinary gem, perfect for serving with tea or coffee. This quick dessert, without complicated creams, combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the aromatic filling of cherries and poppy seeds.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 150 g butter (82% fat), cubed
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 egg yolks
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 800 ml cherry compote (or fresh cherries, if preferred)
- 3 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 200 g ground poppy seeds
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons jam (optional, preferably rose hip)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for obtaining a light and fluffy dough.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the cubed butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a texture similar to almond flour.
3. Add the egg yolks, lemon zest, and the remaining lukewarm milk. Finally, incorporate the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. While the dough is rising, drain the cherries from the compote in a sieve, ensuring no excess liquid remains. This step is important to avoid a too-wet filling.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a stiff meringue. This will give the cake an airy texture.
3. Gently fold in the ground poppy seeds and vanilla sugar into the egg white mixture, mixing carefully with a spatula to avoid losing air.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Preheat the oven to 180-200 degrees Celsius.
2. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface to form thin sheets.
3. Spread each sheet with jam, if you choose to use it. Along the long edges of each sheet, place the cherries, leaving a space in the middle.
4. Roll the sheets, making sure to leave a space in the middle for the egg white filling. Repeat this process with all 3 sheets.
5. Cut the baking paper into 3 long strips and place them in the baking tray. Place each roll on the paper, lifting the edges to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Baking
1. Fill the empty space in the middle of the rolls with the egg white filling with poppy seeds. Use a teaspoon to evenly distribute the mixture.
2. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the surface turns golden and slightly browned.
3. After baking, wrap the cake in a clean towel, then place it in a bag and cover it with another towel. Let it cool for 2-3 hours, or even overnight. This step helps maintain moisture and a fluffy texture.

Final Note
Once the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and cut it into generous slices. It is ideal to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, adding flavor to your moments of relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, this cake can be adapted with other types of fruits such as apples or peaches. Make sure the fruits are not too wet.

2. What can I do with leftover dough?
You can make mini rolls with chocolate or jam filling, perfect for a quick snack.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to stay fresh for a few days.

Variations
- Poppy seeds can be replaced with ground walnuts for a different flavor, but ensure you are not allergic.
- The jam is optional; if you prefer a less sweet version, you can omit this ingredient.

Nutritional Benefits
The Peacock Eye Cake contains poppy seeds, which are an excellent source of calcium, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, cherries add vitamin C and fiber, contributing to digestive health.

Savor every bite, remembering the sweet moments spent with loved ones! This cake is not just about taste but also about the story it brings in every bite. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 150 g butter (82% fat), 30 g fresh yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, 150 ml lukewarm milk, 3 egg yolks, a little grated lemon zest. For the filling: a 800 ml cherry compote, 3 egg whites, 100 g sugar, 200 g ground poppy seeds, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 6 tablespoons jam (I used rose petal jam), 3 tablespoons powdered sugar.

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