Cherry cake with cream cheese

Cherry and Cream Cheese Cake: An Irresistible Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The history of the cherry and cream cheese cake is one filled with flavor and tradition. This dessert perfectly combines the sweetness of cherries with the velvety texture of cream cheese, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether it's a family gathering, a party with friends, or simply a pampering evening, this cake will surely become a favorite for everyone. Let's get started!

Necessary Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 100 g milk chocolate (preferably of good quality)
- 140 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder (unsweetened, for an intense flavor)
- 140-150 g flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*For the cream:*
- 300 g cream cheese (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 3 small eggs
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- 200 g cherries (fresh or frozen, but definitely pitted)

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries under cold running water, then pit them. Place them in a sieve to drain their juice. This step is essential, as cherries with too much juice can make the cake too moist.

2. Preparing the base:
- In a saucepan, place the diced butter and the broken chocolate into small pieces. Put them on low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. It is important not to let the chocolate boil to avoid burning it. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is frothy and doubles in volume. Add the vanilla extract and the cooled butter and chocolate mixture, continuing to mix gently.
- Sift the cocoa powder, baking powder, and flour, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold them in, so as not to lose the air in the mixture.

3. Preparing the cream cheese:
- In another bowl, mix the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing gently. Finally, incorporate the lemon zest, which will add a note of freshness.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (medium temperature). Grease a 22/26 cm baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
- Pour a little more than half of the batter into the pan and level it with a spatula. Then, carefully add the cream cheese in an even layer. Place the cherries, one by one, on top of the cream. Use the remaining batter and spoon it on top, being careful not to mix the layers too much.

5. Baking the cake:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it is baked using a tester or a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

6. Serving:
- Cut the cake into squares and serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream. It is delicious and pairs perfectly with a fragrant tea or coffee.

Useful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate for a more intense flavor. Also, make sure the cream cheese is well softened to mix easily with the other ingredients.
- Frozen cherries: If using frozen cherries, ensure they are left at room temperature to thaw, and do not add the juice they release to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- Healthier option: You can replace part of the butter with coconut oil for a healthier version. Also, sugar can be reduced or replaced with natural sweeteners, according to preference.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is an excellent source of antioxidants due to the cherries, which help fight inflammation. Additionally, cream cheese adds a portion of protein, and chocolate contains beneficial flavonoids for heart health. Of course, moderation is key!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries.

2. How long does the cake last?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. You can also add a handful of toasted nuts for an extra crunch. Herbal tea or a semi-dry white wine complements the cake's flavor beautifully.

In conclusion, the cherry and cream cheese cake is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that combines unique flavors and textures. So, don’t hesitate! Prepare this delicacy and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the base: 100g milk chocolate, 140g butter, 3 eggs, 60g sugar, 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa, 140-150g flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence. For the cream: 300g cream cheese, 100g sugar, 3 small eggs, grated lemon peel, 200g cherries.