Anca Cake

Anca Cake: A Delight with Sour Cherries and Vanilla Cream

Looking for a captivating and flavorful recipe? I propose you discover Anca Cake, a charming reinterpretation of the sour cherry dessert, perfectly blending the sweetness of the fruits with the creaminess of a delicious vanilla cream. It's the ideal dessert for a gathering with friends or a special occasion, bringing joy and color to your table. Let's get started!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 35 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients
For the sour cherry cake:
- 3-4 large eggs
- 300 g granulated sugar
- Seeds from one vanilla pod
- 300 ml sunflower oil (or olive oil for a more pronounced flavor)
- 300 g plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is ideal for a creamier texture)
- 600 g flour (sifted)
- 2 packets of baking powder
- 500 g sour cherries (fresh or frozen, but make sure they are of good quality)

For the vanilla cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 500 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer cream)
- 25 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the vanilla cream
1. Heating the milk: Start by warming the milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling. This step is essential for achieving a smooth cream without lumps.
2. Mixing the yolks: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy.
3. Incorporating the milk: Take about 200 ml of the warm milk and gradually add it to the yolk mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Thickening the cream: Pour the mixture back into the pot with the remaining milk. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly, making sure it doesn't stick. When the cream thickens (about 5-10 minutes), remove it from the heat.
5. Finalizing the cream: Add the butter and mix well until it completely melts. Cover the cream with plastic wrap, letting it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the sour cherry cake
1. Preparing the cherries: If using fresh cherries, remove the pits and let them drain. If they are frozen, make sure they are thawed and well-drained.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the sugar with the egg yolks until creamy. Add the vanilla seeds, yogurt, and oil, mixing well after each ingredient.
3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step will help the cake be fluffy and airy.
4. Sifting the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then add them to the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
5. Incorporating the cherries: Finally, add the cherries and gently mix.
6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a round baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes or until the cake passes the toothpick test.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Cooling the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely after baking.
2. Creating layers: Cut the cake in half horizontally. Spread the vanilla cream between the two layers and on top for an elegant look.
3. Decorating: If desired, you can decorate with caramelized sugar or fresh cherries for added flavor and an attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions
Anca Cake pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can turn this dessert into an unforgettable experience. Feel free to experiment with flavors, adding a splash of rum or almond extract to the vanilla cream for an unexpected twist.

Useful Tips
- Cherries: If using frozen cherries, make sure they are well-drained to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
- Egg alternative: If you want an egg-free version, you can use applesauce or soy yogurt as a substitute.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the cake mixture for extra crunch.

Nutritional Benefits
Anca Cake contains healthy ingredients, such as yogurt, which is a good source of probiotics and protein. Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, having a protective role over heart health and the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute the cherries with other fruits? Certainly! You can use cherries, raspberries, or blueberries, adapting the recipe to your taste.
- How long does the cake last? Stored in an airtight container, the cake lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

This Anca Cake recipe will surely make you want to repeat it. Give it your personal touch and remember to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a true feast! Enjoy!