Almond Cake with Cherries

Cherry Amandina Cake – A Sweet and Aromatic Indulgence

If you are looking for a dessert that delights not only the taste buds but also the eyes, then the Cherry Amandina Cake is the perfect choice! This decadent cake, filled with chocolate and juicy cherries, is ideal for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a celebration, or simply a treat during your free time. Moreover, it is an excellent way to pamper yourself and impress your friends and family.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 8 tablespoons flour
- a pinch of salt
- a handful of coconut (optional)

For the cream:
- 3 egg yolks
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)

For the syrup:
- 300 ml water
- 200 g sugar
- rum essence (half a bottle)
- 2 packets of chocolate cappuccino

For the glaze:
- 250 g milk chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 200 g liquid cream (or liquid cream for whipping)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base
Start by preparing the base of this delicious cake. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Then, gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a firm and shiny foam. Once the egg whites are ready, in another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil and water until homogeneous.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better foam.
- You can add a handful of coconut to the base mixture for extra flavor and an interesting texture.

Sift the flour and cocoa over the yolk mixture and gently combine everything using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

Prepare a baking pan with a diameter of 24-26 cm (or a Pyrex dish if you don’t have a special one). Grease the pan with oil, sprinkle with flour, and place a baking sheet. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 40-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it’s baked, and if it comes out clean, the base is ready! After baking, let it cool completely before cutting.

2. Preparing the Syrup
While the base cools, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, rum essence, and chocolate cappuccino packets. Heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Set aside and let cool.

3. Preparing the Cream
To make the cream, beat the soft butter (at room temperature) for 2-3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy. Incorporate the egg yolks, cocoa, and optionally, a splash of rum essence for extra flavor. Mix everything until it becomes a smooth and fine cream.

4. Assembling the Cake
Now it’s time to assemble the cake! Cut the cooled base into three equal parts. Place the first layer on a platter, generously soak it with the prepared syrup, add a generous layer of cream, sprinkle with some grated white chocolate, and add the pitted cherries. Continue with the second layer, soak it, add cream again, grated chocolate, and cherries. Finally, place the last layer, soak it, and level the edges with the excess cream.

5. Preparing the Glaze
For the glaze, combine the liquid cream, butter, and chocolate in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate completely melts. Do not let it boil! Once the mixture is homogeneous, let it cool slightly.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, starting from the center and allowing it to flow over the edges. You can decorate the cake with cherries or white chocolate flakes, depending on your preference.

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2 hours, to allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving and Recommendations
Once the Cherry Amandina Cake is ready, cut it into generous slices and serve it alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional Benefits
The Cherry Amandina Cake provides a considerable amount of calories, being a dessert rich in sugars and fats. However, the cherries add a touch of freshness, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while chocolate offers cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries.
2. How can I make the cake gluten-free? Replace the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond or rice flour.
3. How can I store the cake? I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness.

Feel free to put your personal touch on the recipe by adding your favorite spices or flavors. The Cherry Amandina Cake is not just a dessert, but an experience that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy it and savor every bite!