Upside down cherry cake with lime cream

Cherry Upside Down Cake with Lime Cream – A delicacy that combines sweetness and tartness!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Recipe history
Upside down cake is a dessert that reminds us of childhood, of moments spent around the table with family, enjoying delicious and aromatic dishes. This cherry and lime cream version is a modern reinterpretation that brings a touch of freshness and elegance. The cherries, with their characteristic acidity, perfectly combine with the fine lime cream, creating a symphony of flavors that delights any palate.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil (or another neutral oil)
- 4 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 6-7 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 500 g cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 600 ml milk
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 250 g mascarpone
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Zest of 1 lime

For decoration:
- Lime slices
- Lime zest
- Chocolate-filled sticks (optional)

Preparation
1. Preparing the base: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes homogeneous and changes color to a light, creamy shade. Add the oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and baking powder, mixing well.

2. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour before adding it to the yolk mixture. Do this gradually to avoid lumps. Gently mix to obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a firm foam. It is essential to use a clean and dry bowl; otherwise, the egg whites will not foam correctly. Add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture and incorporate them with a spatula, using gentle circular motions to avoid losing air from the composition.

4. Preparing the cherries: Line a 24x36 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Add the cherries, evenly distributed on the bottom of the tray. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure they are well drained. Pour the base mixture over the cherries and level it with a spatula.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Let it cool completely in the tray, then carefully invert it onto a platter, ensuring the cherries are on top.

6. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, sugar, and a little milk to avoid lumps. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until you obtain a thick pudding. Finally, add the seeds from the vanilla pod and mix well.

7. Cooling the cream: Once the cream has thickened, set it aside and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

8. Finalizing the cream: After the cream has cooled, beat it until fluffy. Add the mascarpone and lime zest, mixing for another minute until well combined. Now, the cream is ready to be used!

9. Assembling the dessert: Once the base has cooled completely, spread the lime cream on top, smoothing it out evenly. Refrigerate the dessert for 2-3 hours to allow the cream to set.

10. Serving: Before serving, decorate with lime slices and lime zest. You can also add chocolate-filled sticks for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips
- Choosing cherries: If using frozen cherries, ensure they are completely thawed and drained to avoid a wet base.
- Dairy-free option: You can replace the mascarpone with a plant-based alternative if you want a vegan version.
- Enhancing the cream: You can add a teaspoon of lime juice to the mascarpone cream for an extra freshness.

Nutritional benefits
This cherry upside down cake with lime cream is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of nutrients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, while yogurt and mascarpone provide calcium and protein.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can replace cherries with cherries, peaches, or even berries.

2. How can I store the dessert?
The dessert keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the dessert?
It is recommended not to freeze the dessert with the cream, but you can freeze the plain base.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! The cherry upside down cake with lime cream will surely become your and your loved ones' favorite. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 6 eggs, 8 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of oil, 4 tablespoons of yogurt, 6-7 tablespoons of flour, 1 baking powder, 500 g cherries, 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, a pinch of salt. For the cream: 600 ml milk, 6 tablespoons of starch, 7 tablespoons of sugar, 250 g mascarpone, 1 vanilla pod, 1 lime. For decoration: lime slices, grated lemon zest, chocolate-filled sticks.