Strawberry and cherry cake
Delicious Cherry and Strawberry Cake
Welcome to the world of delightful desserts! Today, we will prepare a refreshing cake, bursting with the natural flavors of cherries and strawberries, perfect for warm summer days or any special occasion. This cherry and strawberry cake recipe will not only impress your guests but also bring a touch of joy to every slice. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Necessary Ingredients
Cake Base
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons of flour (approximately 180 g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (3 g)
- 100 g pitted cherries + 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 100 g strawberries
Syrup
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml water
Cream
- 75 g white chocolate
- 300 ml sweetened liquid cream (keep refrigerated)
Jelly
- 350 g strawberries
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- 50 ml cold water
Decoration
- A few strawberries and cherries for garnish
Step by Step
1. Preparing the oven and the cake base
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, mix the pitted cherries with 1 tablespoon of sugar to enhance their flavor. Then, wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them in halves or quarters.
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.
Add the yolks, oil, and vanilla extract, gently folding them into the mixture. Incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing from the bottom up with a silicone spatula to retain the air in the batter. Finally, add the cherries and mix gently.
Pour the mixture into a 22 cm greased and lined baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.
2. Preparing the syrup
In a saucepan, caramelize 2 tablespoons of sugar, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Once caramelized, add 250 ml of water and let it boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool.
3. The delicious cream
In a saucepan, break the white chocolate into small pieces and add the liquid cream. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Transfer the mixture to a plastic bowl and let it reach room temperature, then place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
After this time, take the bowl out of the freezer and mix the mixture. Add the remaining cold cream and mix until you obtain a smooth and airy cream.
4. Preparing the jelly
Wash the strawberries and remove their stems. Boil them together with the sugar until the mixture becomes thick. Let it cool, then blend it in a food processor until you achieve a smooth puree.
Soak the gelatin in cold water in a bowl. Once it becomes soft, place the bowl in warm water to dissolve completely. Mix the gelatin with the strawberry puree.
5. Assembling the cake
On the cooled cake base, pour the cold syrup evenly. Add the white chocolate cream, then arrange the pitted cherries around the edge of the cake. Cut a few strawberries into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chocolate cream. Add the strawberry jelly, smoothing it over the entire surface. In the center of the cake, form a flower with halved strawberries and place 6 cherries with stems around it for an elegant look.
Serving and Recommendations
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least two hours before serving. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit drink. It’s perfect for enjoying with loved ones during special moments or even as a treat after a long day.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake is rich in vitamins from the fruits, thanks to the strawberries and cherries, which are excellent sources of antioxidants. Additionally, the white chocolate adds a touch of calcium and healthy fats, while the cream provides a creamy taste. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers nutritional benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries can be successfully substituted.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
3. What can I do if I don’t have gelatin?
If you don’t have gelatin, you can use another thickening agent, such as agar-agar, but check the usage instructions as it differs from traditional gelatin.
Personal Note
This cherry and strawberry cake reminds me of the days spent in my grandmother’s garden, where fresh fruits were always in abundance. There’s nothing more delightful than bringing a touch of nature to your table. I encourage you to experiment with various fruits and flavors to create your unique version of this delicious dessert!
Enjoy every bite and let your imagination soar in the kitchen!
Ingredients: Base: 3 eggs; a pinch of salt; 6 tablespoons sugar; 3 tablespoons oil; vanilla essence; 5 tablespoons flour (180 g); 1 teaspoon baking powder (3 g); 100 g pitted cherries + 1 tablespoon sugar; 100 g strawberries. Syrup: 2 tablespoons sugar; 250 ml water. Cream: 75 g white chocolate; 300 ml sweetened liquid cream (kept in the fridge). Jelly: 350 g strawberries; 4 tablespoons sugar; 5 g gelatin; 50 ml cold water. Decoration: a few strawberries and cherries. Pan diameter: 22 cm.
