Cherry cake

Cherry Cake: A Summer Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, cherry cake is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the intense flavor of cherries with a fluffy batter, resulting in a cake that will delight both young and old. Let's discover together how to make it step by step!

A brief story about cherry cake

Cherry cake has a rich history in our kitchens, being a beloved dessert especially in the summer season when cherries are abundant. It is a dessert that evokes childhood memories when grandmothers spoiled us with the most delicious cakes. Today, this recipe remains a popular choice among those who crave a fruity yet comforting sweet.

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 500 g pitted cherries (or 2 jars of drained cherry compote)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of brandy or cognac
- 30 g butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla

For the batter:
- 275 g soft butter
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 4 eggs
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Step by step for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the filling:
In a large non-stick pan, add the butter, cherries, sugar, honey, brandy, and vanilla. Place the pan over medium heat and let it boil for 3 minutes. This way, the cherries will release their delicious juice and combine with the other ingredients.

2. Straining the cherries:
After 3 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and strain the cherries, keeping the resulting liquid. Place the cherries in a round baking dish, being careful not to spill any liquids. Add 1/4 of the cup of strained liquid over the cherries to keep them moist and flavorful. Put the dish in the fridge to cool.

3. Preparing the batter:
In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a uniform batter.

4. Assembling the cake:
Remove the dish from the fridge and pour the batter over the cooled cherries, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. Check if it's baked using a matchstick or toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

5. Cooling and serving:
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a platter so that the cherries are on top, creating an appetizing appearance. Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a bit of the remaining liquid from the pan for an extra flavor boost.

Helpful tips for an exceptional result

- Choose fresh cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure they are well-ripened and blemish-free. Tart cherries will add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the batter.
- Vary the flavors: You can experiment with additional flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Caring for the batter: Ensure that the butter is soft but not melted to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Ready to serve: Cherry cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days, but I doubt it will last that long as it is extremely popular.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of cherry cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and can contribute to good heart health by reducing inflammation. Additionally, the sugar in the cake will give you an energy boost, perfect for a summer day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace cherries with cherries, blueberries, or peaches for a varied cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
By reducing the amount of sugar in the batter or filling, you can control the sweetness of the cake.

3. Is it possible to make the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier option.

Delicious combinations

Cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing drink, such as berry tea. Additionally, a dry white wine would beautifully complement the sweet-tart flavors of the cake.

Personal notes

This cherry cake recipe brings back memories of evenings spent with family, when everyone gathered around the table to enjoy a delicious dessert. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and memories. Don't hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe by adding an ingredient or flavor that you love!

In conclusion, cherry cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that can be adapted to your tastes. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 275 g soft butter, 250 g powdered sugar, 4 eggs, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 250 g flour. For the filling: 500 g pitted cherries or 2 jars of strained cherry compote. 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac, 30 g butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.