Cake with whipped cream and cherries

Cherry and Whipped Cream Cake: A Sweet Delight in a Slice

When it comes to desserts, few can match the charm of a cherry and whipped cream cake. This quick and simple cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, an anniversary, or simply a family evening. With a fluffy base and a generous topping of whipped cream and cherries, each slice is an explosion of flavors and textures. In this detailed guide, I will walk you step by step through the preparation of this delicious dessert, sharing some useful tips and tricks along the way.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

For the cake base:
- 3 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 200 g flour
- A pinch of baking powder

For the syrup:
- 150 g water
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon (preferably organic, to avoid pesticides)

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream or whipping cream (choose one with at least 30% fat content for stable whipped cream)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Jarred cherries for decoration

Step 1: Prepare the oven and the pan
Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Choose a cake pan with a diameter of about 20 cm. Grease it well with butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the cake base
Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the vanilla sugar. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gently incorporate them into the egg mixture. This step is essential for a fluffy cake base. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the cake base
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the syrup
While the cake base is cooling, you can prepare the syrup. In a pot, combine the water with the sugar and place it over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then let it boil for a few minutes. Add the lemon zest for extra flavor. After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool.

Step 5: Prepare the whipped cream
To achieve perfect whipped cream, ensure that the cream is well chilled. In a bowl, place the liquid cream and start mixing on low speed. When it begins to thicken, gradually add the vanilla sugar and powdered sugar. Increase the mixer speed and continue mixing until the whipped cream is firm and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the cake
Once the cake base has cooled completely, you can cut it in half (if you want a two-layer cake) or use it whole. Use a spoon to soak the cake base with the cooled syrup, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Add a generous layer of whipped cream on the first half of the cake base, then place the second half (if you chose to cut it) or simply cover the entire cake with whipped cream.

Step 7: Decorate the cake
To give the cake an attractive appearance, decorate it with jarred cherries. You can also use mint leaves for a color contrast. Be creative and add any other fruits or grated chocolate on top.

Step 8: Serve
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. This will allow the flavors to meld. Serve it with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade or a cup of coffee, and each slice will become a delight for the taste buds.

Useful tips:
- If you want a larger cake, you can double all the ingredients. Use a larger pan and adjust the baking time, checking constantly.
- The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- You can vary the toppings by adding other seasonal fruits or even grated chocolate.

Nutritional benefits:
This cherry and whipped cream cake offers a pleasant combination of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from cream. Cherries are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation and improve overall health.

So, don’t hesitate to try this cherry and whipped cream cake recipe. It’s a great way to add a touch of joy to your life and that of your loved ones. Each slice is an opportunity to savor a sweet moment filled with beautiful memories. Enjoy!