Cherry cake with cocoa and chocolate

Cherry Chocolate Cake with Cocoa

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 16 squares

Are you looking for a dessert recipe that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and chocolate with the pleasant acidity of cherries? I propose you indulge in this delicious cherry cake recipe, a dessert that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to any meal. This recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for a special occasion or to treat yourself every day.

A brief history: Fruit desserts have a long-standing tradition, often used to make the most of bountiful harvests, and cherries, with their distinct flavor, have been cherished over time in various recipes. This cake combines pastry techniques with simple yet exceptional ingredients to create a delight that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 11 eggs (7 medium eggs and 4 large eggs)
- 255 g granulated sugar
- 235 g flour
- 50 g cocoa
- 10 g baking powder
- 250 g frozen cherries

For the glaze:
- 90 g dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon palm oil or sunflower oil
- 30-40 ml strong coffee

For decoration:
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon sugar + 3 tablespoons water
- Slices of strawberries
- Mint leaves

Detailed instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cake.

2. Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. This will help achieve a fluffy cake, as the whipped egg whites will add air to the mixture.

3. Whipping the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they become frothy, then gradually add 132 g of sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes firm and glossy. If you want an even airier texture, make sure the bowl and mixer paddles are completely clean and dry.

4. Whipping the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with 123 g of sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and triples in volume. This is an important step to achieving a light cake.

5. Combining the mixtures: Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture. Use circular motions from bottom to top to avoid losing air in the mixture.

6. Mixing the flour and cocoa: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Reserve two tablespoons of this mixture to coat the cherries. Gradually add the sifted mixture into the egg mixture, continuing to fold gently.

7. Incorporating the cherries: Wash the frozen cherries, and before adding them to the batter, coat them with the reserved two tablespoons of flour and cocoa mixture. This trick will prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

8. Baking the cake: Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper (dimensions 36 x 36 cm) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. Test the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and cutting: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. After it has completely cooled, cut it into 6x6 cm squares for perfect servings.

10. Preparing the glaze: In a saucepan, combine the dark chocolate, oil, and coffee. Melt the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning. When the glaze is smooth and hot, pour it over each square of cake.

11. Orange zest decoration: Use a vegetable peeler to cut thin strips from the orange zest. Place the water and sugar in a pot to boil, then add the orange peels and let boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the peels to drain.

12. Final assembly: Place the strips of orange zest on top of the glazed cake and add slices of strawberries for a pop of color and freshness. Garnish with mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Helpful tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation. This helps achieve a finer and more even texture.
- Variations: Instead of cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Each variation will offer a different taste experience.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Nutritional information:
This cake has a moderate calorie content, thanks to the use of dark chocolate and cherries, which add antioxidants and vitamins. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, making it a suitable choice for an indulgent yet healthy dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh fruit? Yes, fresh fruit is perfect. Just make sure to wash and cut them properly.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it for longer storage.

This cherry chocolate cake will surely become a favorite recipe in your family. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be inspired by the vibrant flavors and colors of this delicious dessert!

 Ingredients: Base: 11 eggs (7 medium eggs and 4 large eggs), 255 g granulated sugar, 235 g flour, 50 g cocoa powder, 10 g baking powder, 250 g frozen cherries. Glaze: 90 g dark chocolate, 1 tsp palm oil/sunflower oil, 30-40 ml strong coffee. Decoration: zest from 2 oranges, 1 tbsp sugar + 3 tbsp water, strawberry slices, mint leaves.