Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - A Delightful Treat Easy to Prepare

Who doesn't love a fluffy and fragrant cake with fresh fruit that delights the taste buds? This cherry cake is one of my favorite recipes, inspired by my friend Ramona, who kindly shared it with me. It is simple, quick, and most importantly, delicious! Whether you're making it for a gathering with friends or a special occasion, you certainly won't regret your choice. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 1 kg fresh cherries
- 350 g flour
- 150 g margarine for baking
- 120 g butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons semolina or breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 100 g flour
- 280 g powdered sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 400 g sour cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 5 egg whites
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries under cold running water. Then, with great patience, remove the pits and let them drain in a colander. This step may be laborious, but it is essential to enjoy a cake without unpleasant surprises.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the margarine and butter, both at room temperature, and mix until a smooth cream forms. Add the egg yolks and milk, mixing well. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and uniform.

3. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and evenly spread the dough in the tray, ensuring it reaches the corners. Place the cherries on top of the dough and sprinkle the two tablespoons of semolina or breadcrumbs. This step will help absorb excess moisture from the fruit.

4. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the flour with the cold milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the egg yolks, powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla sugar. Mix well with a mixer until the mixture becomes smooth. Finally, beat the egg whites until foamy and gently fold them into the cream mixture, being careful not to lose volume.

5. Baking: Pour the cream evenly over the cherries and dough. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45 minutes or until it turns golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. I recommend keeping an eye on it in the last 10 minutes, as every oven is different.

6. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then you can transfer it to a cooling rack. This will help maintain its texture. For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream. It can also be accompanied by a chilled fruit tea or a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade to contrast with the sweetness of the cherries.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, approximately:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

Tips and Variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as sour cherries or peaches, to add a personal touch to your cake. Also, for a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, it is possible to use frozen fruit, but make sure to let them thaw at room temperature and drain before adding them to the cake.

2. What can I do if I don't have semolina?
Breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative to semolina, but you can also use ground oats or even chopped nuts for a different texture.

3. How do I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, cut into portions.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and smiles, just as it has for me. Cooking is an art, and every cake you make tells a story you share with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1kg cherries Dough: 350g flour, 150g margarine for pastries, 120g butter, 2 egg yolks, 6 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of semolina (or breadcrumbs), 1 teaspoon of baking powder Cream: 100g flour, 280g powdered sugar, 200ml milk, 400g sour cream, 3 egg yolks, 5 egg whites, vanilla sugar

 Tags:  cherry cake fruit cake