Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - A Sweet and Tangy Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Imagine a fluffy cake with a sweet-sour flavor of fresh cherries that entices your senses and reminds you of sunny summer days. This cherry cake recipe is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, but also as a dessert at the end of a meal with family and friends.

The origins of cherry cakes are lost in the mists of time, rooted in cooking traditions that combine fresh fruit with simple pastry techniques. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also gives you the opportunity to connect with these culinary traditions.

Ingredients

- 800 g pitted fresh cherries
- 570 g flour
- 300 g butter (room temperature)
- 375 ml buttermilk
- 5 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 20 g baking powder
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Utensils needed

- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray (35/25 cm)
- Spatula
- Lemon grater

Step by step

1. Prepare ingredients: make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the mixture. Wash the cherries well, remove the pits and let them drain. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

2. Mixing the butter and sugar: In the bowl of a mixer, add the softened butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until creamy and smooth.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure perfect blending. This is the time to add the grated lemon zest and vanilla extract.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well to even out the dry ingredients.

5. Incorporating the ingredients: Start adding the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternately with the buttermilk. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the flour mixture and finally a little milk, continuing to mix on low speed. Continue until all ingredients are well incorporated. Finally, add the lemon juice and mix a little to incorporate.

6. Prepare the baking dish: Grease the pan with butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level with a spatula.

7. Adding the cherries: Place the cherries on top of the batter in layers, being careful not to press too hard. The cherries will sink a little during baking, but this will add a rustic and appetizing look.

8. Baking the cake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and sweet taste. Cut the cake into portions and enjoy with loved ones!

Practical tips

- Fresh cherries: If you don't have fresh cherries on hand, you can use frozen cherries. Be sure to let them thaw completely and drain well before use.
- Gluten-free version: You can experiment with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Always check the proportions to get a similar consistency.
- Customize: Add chopped nuts or almonds for added texture and flavor. You can also substitute cherries with other seasonal fruits such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Serving: Delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. A refreshing cup of fruit tea or refreshing lemonade complements this dessert perfectly.

Nutrition Facts

This cherry cake, per serving, contains on average:

- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrate: 40 g
- Protein: 6 g

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins with beneficial effects on heart and immune system health. This cake is not only a delicious treat, but also a healthier choice thanks to the natural ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits such as peaches, plums or even apples.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to eat later.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by 50g and adjust to taste, as cherries can also add sweetness.

I hope this cherry cake recipe will bring you joy and good times with your loved ones. May each slice be filled with sweet memories! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 800 g fresh cherries pitted, 570 g flour, 300 g butter, 375 g buttermilk, 5 eggs, 300 g sugar, 20 g baking powder, 1 lemon (zest + juice), a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract