Semolina cake with coconut and cherries

Semolina, coconut, and cherry cake - a moist delicacy that combines the sweet aroma of cherries with the fine texture of semolina and coconut. This recipe is perfect for moments when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a delicious yet simple dessert. With a long-standing history in culinary tradition, semolina cakes have been made with great love, being a popular choice due to their slightly moist texture and rich flavors. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 11 tablespoons of semolina
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (for syrup)
- 350 ml of milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of honey
- 50 g of coconut (for decoration)
- Cherry jam (for garnish)

Preparing the cake:
1. Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture. Make sure the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry.

2. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a firm and shiny foam. This foam will help the cake to be airy and light.

3. In another bowl, cream the egg yolks with the 6 tablespoons of sugar and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar until you obtain a creamy and light-colored mixture. It is important to use an electric mixer to save time and effort.

4. Add the baking soda and semolina to the yolk mixture, mixing well to combine everything.

5. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula and gentle up-and-down movements. This will keep the air in the egg whites and give the cake a fluffy texture.

6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture evenly into the tray. Make sure it is leveled for even baking.

7. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius (medium heat) and place the tray inside. Let the cake bake for 30 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Preparing the syrup:
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the milk along with the 2 tablespoons of sugar and honey, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let the milk boil, just warm it up.

Finalizing the cake:
9. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm milk syrup over it. This step is crucial as it will keep the cake moist and full of flavor. Allow the cake to cool in the tray, during which it will absorb all the syrup.

10. Once the cake has completely cooled, sprinkle the coconut on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture. You can also use powdered sugar instead of coconut if you prefer a simpler option.

11. Decorate with cherry jam, arranging them nicely on top of the cake. They will not only add a visual contrast but also a wonderful taste.

12. Cut the cake into servings and serve it with a hot tea or aromatic coffee. It’s perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones!

Tips and variations:
- If you don’t have cherry jam, you can use other canned fruits or even fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla essence to the cake mixture.
- If you want a dairy-free cake, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative (almond milk, coconut milk) and honey with a preferred sweetener.

Nutritional benefits:
This semolina, coconut, and cherry cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy, while cherries bring antioxidants and essential vitamins. Coconut adds healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole semolina? Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.
2. How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs and plant-based milk to make a vegan version.

This semolina, coconut, and cherry cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is an experience that brings together tradition, taste, and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 11 tablespoons of semolina. For soaking: 2 tablespoons of sugar, 350 ml of milk, 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Decoration: 50 g of coconut, cherries from jam.

 Tags:  semolina cake coconut cake