Cake with whipped cream and sour cherries

Cherry and Whipped Cream Cake: A Surprising Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

In the world of desserts, fruit cakes are a true delight for the senses, and the combination of whipped cream and cherries offers a refreshing sensation and a delicious taste. Although I started with the intention of creating a classic "Black Forest" cake, the final result was a true revelation. This whipped cream and cherry cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends.

A Bit of History

This inspired cake is a modern variant of layered desserts, which have a history spanning several centuries. In the past, layered cakes were a symbol of celebrations and joy. Over time, each culture has contributed its own touch, but the combination of whipped cream, chocolate, and fruit has remained one of the most cherished.

Ingredients

- 7 eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of oil (use sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 10 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour, ideal for cakes)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (preferably granulated sugar)
- A pinch of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 2 boxes of 200 ml liquid cream (make sure it is well chilled)
- 300 g cherries (fresh or from a jar, but make sure they are well drained)
- 100 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet of gelatin (about 10 g)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (unsweetened, for a deeper flavor)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preparing the sponge cake:
- Start by preparing the baking pan (preferably 30x20 cm) that you will use. Line it with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.
- Add the yolks, oil, and vanilla sugar. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.
- In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully until you achieve a homogeneous batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Cooling and cutting the sponge cake:
- After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, cut the cake into 3 equal layers.

3. Preparing the whipped cream:
- Whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm. It is essential to have it well chilled before whipping, as it will whip better.
- Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, then dissolve it over a water bath. Let it cool slightly before adding it to half of the whipped cream, mixing gently to avoid lumps.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Place the first layer of sponge cake on a platter. Spread half of the whipped cream, then add half of the drained cherries. Continue with the second layer, followed by the remaining whipped cream and cherries. Cover everything with the third layer of sponge cake.
- Grate dark chocolate on top for an attractive appearance and added flavor.

5. Final cooling:
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally, leave it overnight. This resting time will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving Suggestions:
The cherry and whipped cream cake is delicious served plain, but you can add a spoonful of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing drink, such as a fruit cocktail, pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, proteins from the eggs, and healthy fats from the oil and cream. Cherries provide antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to other sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
- Absolutely! You can replace the cherries with cherries, peaches, or berries, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

3. What type of chocolate should I use?
- Dark chocolate is recommended for an intense flavor, but you can also experiment with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

4. What other desserts can I make with leftover whipped cream?
- The remaining whipped cream can be used to top a serving of ice cream, or you can make a quick chocolate mousse.

This cherry and whipped cream cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to bring joy to any special moment. Give it a chance and enjoy every bite!