Cherry and sour cherry cake

Cherry and Sour Cherry Cake - A Seasonal Delight

The cherry and sour cherry cake is a dessert that evokes warm summer days, when fresh fruits are just waiting to be transformed into delicious treats. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become a family favorite, thanks to the perfect combination of the sweetness of cherries and sour cherries, contrasting with the fluffy texture of the batter. It’s an ideal dessert for parties, family meals, or simply to enjoy a moment of indulgence with loved ones.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

- 2 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 100 ml oil
- 500 ml milk
- 400 g flour
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 500 g pitted sour cherries
- 500 g pitted cherries

Preparing the Cake

1. Prepare the Fruits
Start by washing the sour cherries and cherries thoroughly. Once clean, remove the pits and let the fruits drain in a colander to eliminate excess water. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy cake.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cinnamon with 100 g of sugar. This mixture will add a lovely aromatic note to your cake.

3. Beat the Eggs with Sugar
In another bowl, beat the eggs together with 200 g of sugar using an electric mixer. Continue until you achieve a creamy mixture with a deep yellow color, which will give the cake a fluffy texture.

4. Add Oil and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the oil to the egg mixture while continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the vanilla sugar and the baking soda activated with lemon juice. This trick will help activate the baking soda and provide extra fluffiness to the cake.

5. Incorporate the Flour
Sift the flour and gradually add it to the mixture, gently folding with a spatula until everything is well combined. The consistency of the batter should be similar to that of pancake batter but slightly thicker.

6. Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a baking pan with butter or oil and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it evenly.

7. Add the Fruits
Now comes the fun part! Place the sour cherries and cherries on top of the batter, ensuring that you cover the entire surface.

8. Finish with Walnuts and Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the fruits, then add the ground walnuts. This layer will add a crunchy contrast and a delightful flavor.

9. Bake
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C and let the cake bake for 45 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

10. Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve it dusted with powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Serving Suggestions

For a truly special dessert, you can serve the cake with caramel sauce or whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream will perfectly complement the fruity flavors, turning your cake into an unforgettable dessert. Additionally, a cup of mint tea or an espresso will enhance the taste and add a touch of elegance.

Nutritional Information

This cake is rich in vitamins due to the fresh fruits and contains approximately 400 calories per serving. The walnuts add healthy fats, while the eggs provide high-quality protein. It’s a dessert that, consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Variations and Tips

If you want to experiment, you can replace the sour cherries with raspberries or other berries. You can also add a splash of almond extract to the batter for an even more refined taste. Another delicious variation would be to add some dark chocolate chunks to the batter for a rich and decadent contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, you can use frozen fruits, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before using to avoid excess water.

2. How can I tell if the cake is done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is baked.

3. Can I make the cake without nuts?
Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with coconut flakes or seeds to adapt the recipe to your preferences.

The cherry and sour cherry cake is more than just a dessert; it's a sweet experience that brings people together and transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. So gather your ingredients, call your friends, and enjoy a slice of happiness!