Coffee cake (soaked in cherry liqueur)

Coffee Cherry Cake: A Delight for the Senses

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

When it comes to desserts that combine intense flavors and delicate textures, the coffee cherry cake is certainly a special choice. With a light and fluffy base, a rich cream, and a sweet-bitter syrup, this cake is not just a simple dessert but a culinary experience. Moreover, soaking it with cherry liqueur gives it a sophisticated touch and a festive aroma. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight step by step!

The History of Coffee Cake

The coffee cake has deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Coffee, the main ingredient, was initially used to energize and stimulate, but over time it became a staple in desserts. The addition of cherry liqueur, a fruity liqueur, was an innovation that transformed this cake into a true delicacy. Making a coffee cake can become a family activity, an opportunity to connect with loved ones and share moments of joy.

Ingredients

The Base
- 8 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon of rum
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of instant coffee (Nescafe)
- 10 tablespoons of roasted, ground walnuts

The Cream
- 3 eggs
- 50 g cocoa
- 150 g sugar
- 50 ml water
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)

The Syrup
- 100 ml homemade cherry liqueur
- 100 ml rum
- 100 ml strawberry syrup (from jam or other flavored preserves)

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until you get a firm foam. This is the base of a light and airy cake.

2. Adding the Ingredients: When the egg whites have reached the desired consistency, gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Then, fold in the rum, orange zest, and vanilla sugar.

3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the instant coffee and ground walnuts. Add this mixture to the egg white composition, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large rectangular tray (approximately 30x40 cm) with baking paper, greased with a little butter and dusted with flour. Pour the cake batter into the tray and level it. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is firm to the touch and passes the toothpick test.

5. Cooling and Removing: After baking, turn the cake onto a wooden board, carefully peel off the baking paper, and let it cool completely.

Preparing the Cream

1. Cocoa Cream: In a bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, and water. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie) and stir constantly for 10 minutes. This will help to homogenize the ingredients and achieve a fine texture.

2. Incorporating Cocoa: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the cocoa and mix well. Make sure there are no lumps.

3. Adding the Butter: When the cream is almost at room temperature, add the butter cut into cubes and mix until you obtain a homogeneous cream. If necessary, you can slightly reheat the cream over bain-marie to facilitate mixing.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the Base: Once the base has cooled completely, cut it into two or three parts lengthwise, depending on your preference.

2. Soaking and Spreading: Place a layer of the base on a rectangular platter. Prepare the syrup by mixing the cherry liqueur, rum, and strawberry syrup. Generously soak the base, then spread it with some of the cocoa cream.

3. Layering: Add the next layer of the base and repeat the soaking and spreading process with cream. Continue until all layers are finished.

4. Decorating: Once the cake is assembled, use the remaining roasted walnuts to decorate the sides of the cake. This detail not only looks wonderful but also adds a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

The coffee cherry cake is perfect for serving on special occasions or simply to indulge after a long day. I recommend serving it alongside a cup of espresso coffee or a fragrant tea to enhance the flavors. Additionally, vanilla ice cream can be a delicious accompaniment, adding a creamy note to your dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although indulgent, also contains beneficial ingredients. Coffee is known for its stimulating properties, while nuts provide healthy fats and proteins. A moderate portion can offer an energy boost and a sense of well-being, thanks to the combination of ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee?
Of course! You can use brewed coffee, but make sure it is well concentrated and adjust the amount of flour so the batter doesn’t become too soft.

2. What can I use instead of cherry liqueur?
You can experiment with other flavored liqueurs, such as coffee or chocolate liqueur, to adapt the cake to your tastes.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.

Possible Variations

To add a personal touch to your cake, you can try adding a layer of fresh fruit between the layers, such as strawberries or raspberries. You can also replace the cocoa in the cream with melted chocolate for a more intense flavor.

The coffee cherry cake is more than just a simple dessert – it is an invitation to a moment of indulgence, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! With each step, you will transform a classic recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Base: 8 eggs, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, orange zest, 1 tablespoon of rum, 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 10 tablespoons of roasted ground walnuts. Cream: 3 eggs, 50 g cocoa, 150 g sugar, 50 ml water, 250 g butter. Syrup: 100 ml homemade cherry liqueur, 100 ml rum, 100 ml strawberry syrup from jam or another flavored jam.