Fragrant cake with apricots and cherries
Delicious Apricot and Cherry Cake – an explosion of summer flavors
In the middle of summer, when the sun shines brighter and fresh fruits appear in the markets, nothing compares to a light and fragrant cake, full of flavor. This apricot and cherry cake recipe is perfect for celebrating the warm season. With a mix of ripe fruits and a soft batter, this cake is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Necessary ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 150-180 g sugar (to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 125 g apricot-flavored yogurt
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 ml oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 250 g apricots (halved)
- A good handful of cherries (pitted)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
Step-by-step preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the egg mixture
Start by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and add a pinch of salt. Use a mixer to whip them until they become firm. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar completely dissolves and you obtain a glossy foam. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy and airy cake.
Step 2: Incorporating the yolks and wet ingredients
Add the yolks one by one, mixing constantly to incorporate them well into the egg white mixture. Then, add the yogurt, vanilla essence, and rum essence. Gently mix to avoid losing air in the mixture. Finally, drizzle in the oil while continuing to mix.
Step 3: Integrating the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the fluffy texture of the batter.
Step 4: Preparing the pan and adding the fruits
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a rectangular baking pan (approximately 20x30 cm) with parchment paper. Arrange the apricot halves evenly on the bottom of the pan, then pour the egg mixture on top. Reserve a few tablespoons of the batter, mix them with cocoa, and add them in swirls for a marbled effect. Use the back of a spoon to create a beautiful marbling.
Step 5: Adding the cherries
After adding the batter, place the pitted cherries on top. They will provide a wonderful sweet-sour contrast in texture and flavor.
Step 6: Baking the cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test. This means that when you insert a toothpick in the center, it comes out clean, without wet batter.
Step 7: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Then, flip it onto a platter or cutting board, depending on their size. When completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.
Serving suggestions and variations:
This cake should be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce to add a decadent touch. You can experiment with different fruits, such as peaches, plums, or even berries, to create delicious variations.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake has a moderate calorie content, providing about 200 calories per serving. It is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh fruits, and the yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the cake.
2. Can I substitute the yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use more tart fruits for a pleasant contrast.
This apricot and cherry cake is not only a simple recipe but also a perfect way to enjoy seasonal fruits. So, don’t hesitate to grab the freshest apricots and cherries and start cooking! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 5 eggs, a pinch of salt, 150-180 g sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, rum essence, 125 g apricot-flavored yogurt, 250 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 50 ml oil, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 250 g apricots, a good handful of cherries, powdered sugar.
