Cake of the DANUBE WAVES

Cocoa and Sour Cherry Cake – The Danube Waves

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

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that combines the intense flavor of cocoa with the refreshing taste of sour cherries, then this cake is the perfect choice. Inspired by old cooking traditions, the "Danube Waves" cake stands out with its fluffy texture and fine vanilla cream, bringing a smile to anyone who tastes it. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 100 grams of sugar
- 300 grams of flour
- 100 ml of milk
- 100 ml of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 200 grams of sour cherries (from compote or fresh, pitted)

For the pudding cream:
- 300 ml of milk
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 100 grams of butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

For the glaze:
- 100 grams of dark chocolate
- 50 grams of butter

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat). Prepare a baking tray, approximately 20x30 cm, greased with butter or lined with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the two eggs with the sugar until you get a frothy, light-colored mixture. This is the moment when air will be incorporated, giving the cake a fluffy texture.
3. Gradually add the oil and milk, continuing to mix. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated and the mixture becomes homogeneous.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, to keep the airiness.

Step 2: Dividing the mixture
1. Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one part, add the tablespoon of cocoa and mix well until uniform. In the other part, add sugar and vanilla essence to taste. This flavor will enhance the taste of your cake.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. In the prepared tray, pour the white mixture (without cocoa) first and level it with a spatula.
2. Then, carefully add the cocoa mixture, pouring it over the white one. Use a fork to create a marbled effect if you desire an artistic look.
3. Place the drained sour cherries evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

Step 4: Baking
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it is baked using the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready!
2. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cake cool completely.

Step 5: Preparing the pudding cream
1. Prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the packet, using 300 ml of milk. Once the pudding has cooled slightly, add the butter at room temperature and mix well until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla essence, adjusting to taste.

Step 6: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has cooled completely, pour the pudding cream on top and level it with a spatula.
2. For the glaze, melt the dark chocolate together with the butter in a bain-marie or microwave, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Pour the chocolate glaze over the pudding cream and level it.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
1. Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours; ideally, it should sit overnight to set well and allow the flavors to intensify.
2. Cut the cake once it has cooled completely and serve it with a glass of milk or a fragrant coffee.

Useful tips
- You can replace the sour cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, to vary the flavors of the cake.
- For an even more intense taste, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, use dark chocolate for the glaze.

Nutritional benefits
This cake, although delicious, contains a combination of ingredients that provide carbohydrates from flour, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from oil and butter. The sour cherries add a supply of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier dessert.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a lactose-free version.

2. What can I use instead of butter?
You can opt for margarine or coconut oil for a vegan version.

3. How can I store the cake longer?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be consumed for up to a week.

Delicious combinations
This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a fruit tea or a flavored café latte complements the taste of the cake, turning any meal into a true celebration.

I invite you to let yourself be carried away by the flavors and textures of this delicious cake and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!