Amareta Cake

Amareta Cake - A Delicacy for Special Moments

The Amareta cake is more than just a dessert; it is a true celebration of flavors, a symbol of the most beautiful moments spent with family and friends. Choosing this cake for my eldest son's coming-of-age party was inspired by fond memories associated with the sour cherries in brandy, which add a touch of nostalgia and an unmistakable taste. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step through the preparation process of this delicious cake, ensuring that every bite is a true indulgence.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 125 g butter
- 120 g sugar syrup (made from 115 g sugar and 5 ml water)
- 4 eggs
- 75 g flour
- 100 g ground almonds
- 1 packet baking powder
- 50 g grated chocolate or 50 g cocoa powder
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 50 ml lemon juice

For the cream:
- 500 g sour cherries (pitted)
- 2 sheets of gelatin
- 400 g liquid cream
- 50 g powdered sugar

For decoration:
- Chocolate glaze (I used Dr. Oetker's Duo glaze, which is quick and visually impressive)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, add 115 g of sugar and 5 ml of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it boil for a few minutes, then allow it to cool.

2. Preparing the Sponge: In a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add the cooled sugar syrup and mix well. Incorporate the egg yolks, stirring vigorously until well combined.

3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, ground almonds, and grated chocolate or cocoa. Add this mixture to the butter and egg yolk mixture, gently stirring to avoid lumps.

4. Whipping the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks.

5. Finalizing the Mixture: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the sponge mixture using a spatula with light upward motions to retain the air in the egg whites.

6. Baking the Sponge: Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes, or until the sponge is firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready!

7. Cooling the Sponge: After baking, remove the sponge from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Preparing the Cream: Meanwhile, drain the sour cherries and reserve the juice. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water. After about 10 minutes, drain them and melt them over low heat, stirring continuously until completely dissolved.

9. Whipping the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm consistency. Add the dissolved gelatin and gently mix until well combined.

10. Assembling the Cake: Cut the cooled sponge in half. On the first layer, spread a generous layer of whipped cream and sprinkle the sour cherries. Cover with the second layer of sponge and drizzle with the reserved cherry juice. Refrigerate the cake for 15 minutes to set the cream.

11. Decorating with Glaze: Cover the cake with the chocolate glaze, ensuring it is evenly spread across the entire surface. Dr. Oetker's Duo glaze is perfect for an elegant look and delicious taste.

Serving and Pairing

The Amareta cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends. It can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. Pair it with a glass of sweet wine to complete the tasting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of sour cherries?
Yes, you can substitute sour cherries with cherries, raspberries, or even peaches for a fruitier version of the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge and cream, or use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

3. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using plant-based butter and replacing the eggs with an appropriate substitute, such as banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds and water.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 5 g

Final Notes

Creating the Amareta cake is a joyful experience, and the final result will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Each layer of this cake is an explosion of flavors, and the sour cherries in brandy provide a refreshing note that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. I encourage you to try this recipe and customize it to your taste preferences. Enjoy!