Cherry cake with grated crispy dough

Cherry pie with grated crunchy dough: a delicacy that perfectly combines the sweetness of the fruits with the crunchy texture of the dough. This recipe is not just a dessert, but a true taste experience, full of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for moments spent with loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the main dough:*
- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 350 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the grated crunchy dough:*
- 125 g butter
- 200 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 25 g chopped nuts (choose fresh nuts for an intense flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)

*Filling:*
- 2 jars of cherry compote (720 ml each) or 500 g fresh cherries
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (for decoration)

Brief history:
Cherry pie is a classic recipe, loved by many generations, which combines the sweetness of cherries with the crunchy dough, reminding us of days spent at grandparents' houses or festive moments. It is a simple yet extremely versatile dessert that can be adapted with various seasonal fruits.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the main dough:
Start by putting the soft butter and sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. This step is essential for introducing air into the dough, which will result in a fluffier cake.

2. Adding the eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The salt and grated lemon zest will add a pleasant taste and fresh aroma.

3. Sifting the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step will help avoid lumps in the dough. Add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing well by gently kneading. Do not over-knead, just enough to combine the ingredients.

4. Preparing the tray:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. It is important to have this tray ready before adding the dough to avoid letting the mixture sit too long.

5. Assembling the pie:
Spread the dough in the tray, leveling it with a spatula. Make sure it is evenly distributed for consistent baking.

6. Preparing the crunchy dough:
In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the crunchy dough: butter, flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to achieve a crumbly texture, which will add a crunchy note to your pie.

7. Adding the cherries:
Drain the cherries from the jar and mix them with a teaspoon of powdered sugar. This step will help enhance their sweetness. Arrange the cherries evenly over the dough in the tray.

8. Grating the crunchy dough:
Use a large grater to grate the crunchy dough over the cherries. This layer will create a perfect contrast between the sweetness of the cherries and the crunchy texture.

9. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. It is important to check the pie with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

10. Cooling and serving:
Let the pie cool completely in the tray. Then, dust with powdered sugar and cut into servings. It is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a fragrant tea.

Serving suggestions:
For an elegant touch, you can serve this pie with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement the taste of this delicious pie.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or raspberries. You can also add a splash of vanilla essence to the dough for an even more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, being low in calories. Butter and nuts add a good source of healthy fats, and sugar can be adjusted according to personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using them.
- Can I replace butter with margarine? Yes, but the final taste may vary.
- How can I store this pie? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for a longer duration.

This cherry pie recipe with grated crunchy dough is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a delicious dessert for family. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delightful flavors!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 200g butter, 200g sugar, 3 eggs, zest of 1 lemon, 350g flour, 1 packet of baking powder, 1 pinch of salt. For the crunchy grated dough: 125g butter, 200g flour, 150g sugar, 25g chopped nuts, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Filling: 2 jars of sour cherry compote (720ml) - you can also use fresh fruits, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar.

 Tags:  fruit cake simple cookies cherry cake homemade cookies