Pound cake
Fluffy Cherry Cake with Jam - A Simple Recipe for Sweet Moments with Loved Ones
Welcome to the world of delights! Today I will share a recipe that combines lightness and sweetness in a fluffy cake, perfect for the whole family, including little ones who crave a healthy dessert. This cherry cake recipe with canned cherries and jam is not only simple but also full of flavor, making it ideal for any occasion.
A Brief History of the Cake
The cake is a classic dessert, cherished in many cultures for its versatility. Its origins date back to ancient times when people made simple cakes from basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and sugar. Over time, recipes diversified, adding fruits, nuts, or various flavors, giving each family the chance to create their own version. The cake we propose today is a modern reinterpretation of this classic, bringing together the sweet taste of cherries with the delicate aroma of jam.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 8-10
Necessary Ingredients
- 5 fresh eggs
- 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil (sunflower oil is recommended)
- 10 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- Canned cherries (about 200g, pitted)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of oil for greasing the pan
- Whole fruit jam (I used peach jam, but you can experiment with any other favorite jam)
Ingredient Details
- Eggs: Choose fresh eggs for a fluffier cake. If you have farm eggs, that's even better!
- Oil: Sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a stronger flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Using powdered sugar allows for quicker and more uniform dissolving in the mixture.
- Cocoa: Cocoa will add a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cherries and the jam.
- Canned cherries: Make sure the cherries are well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the mixture.
Step by Step - Your Guide to a Perfect Cake
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by removing the cherries from the can. Carefully pit them and place them in a strainer to ensure no excess liquid remains.
2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important to use a larger bowl for the egg whites, as they will need to be whipped well.
3. Preparing the yolks: In the bowl with the yolks, add the oil. Whisk them with a whisk or mixer until the mixture becomes creamy, similar to mayonnaise.
4. Adding the dry ingredients: At this point, add the baking powder and lemon juice. Mix well to integrate these ingredients.
5. Whipping the egg whites: Start whipping the egg whites with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the foam becomes glossy and firm, with a texture that doesn’t fall off the mixer paddles. This is a crucial step for achieving a fluffy cake.
6. Mixing the ingredients: Take the bowl with the yolks and gradually add the flour. Gently fold with a spatula from the bottom up to keep the air in the egg whites. Then, carefully incorporate the whipped egg whites along with the cherries and jam. Mix gently so that everything is uniform but without losing volume.
7. Preparing the pan: Grease a cake or bundt pan with oil, then dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during baking.
8. Pouring the mixture: Carefully pour the mixture into the pan. Sprinkle cocoa on top and lightly swirl with a fork, but not all the way to the bottom, to achieve a marbled effect.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius and place the pan inside. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a cake tester (a toothpick) comes out clean from the center of the cake.
10. Cooling: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a plate. Here, the cherries and jam will remain beautifully on top, creating an attractive visual effect.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. You can also add a bit of whipped cream for an even more decadent experience. If you want to personalize it, you can replace the cherries with other canned fruits like peaches or pineapple. Additionally, adding chopped nuts or chocolate will provide an interesting texture.
Useful Tips
- Check the freshness of the ingredients: Make sure your ingredients are fresh, especially the eggs and baking powder.
- Temperature of the ingredients: It is recommended that all ingredients be at room temperature for better mixing.
- Oven testing: Every oven bakes differently, so I recommend doing a toothpick test at 25 minutes to check the cake’s baking status.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers approximately 180 calories per serving, with a balanced content of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, as well as protein from eggs. The cherries provide an extra boost of antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Sure! You can experiment with various types of canned fruits or even fresh fruits.
2. Is it possible to make the recipe without sugar? Yes, you can use natural or alternative sweeteners, but make sure they dissolve well.
3. How can I store the cake? I recommend keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a longer duration.
In conclusion, this fluffy cherry cake with jam is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, I assure you the result will be appreciated by everyone. So, put on your favorite apron, tie your apron, and let’s cook! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons of oil, 10 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 10 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, cherries from a compote, jam made from whole fruits (I used peaches), 3 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 tablespoon of oil for greasing the pan.
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