Cherry and sour cream cake

The dessert I invite you to prepare today is a delicious cherry cake with pudding cream, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress anyone. This recipe will guide you step by step, providing useful tips and essential details to achieve a perfect result. Whether you want to pamper your family or impress your guests, this cake is the ideal choice. Let's get started!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 55 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 250 g of margarine or butter (at room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 300 g of sugar
- 250 g of flour
- 3 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 jars of cherry compote (about 500 g of pitted cherries)
- 750 ml of milk
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 600 g of sour cream
- 2 packets of red jelly (for decoration)

Overview:
This cherry and sour cream cake recipe combines a fluffy base with creamy pudding and a cherry jelly topping, creating a delicious and satisfying experience. It is an excellent choice for festive meals or simply to enjoy a sweet moment at home.

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Cherries: Start by removing the cherries from the compote. Carefully remove the pits, then place them in a sieve to drain well. Do not throw away the remaining compote, as we will use it later to prepare the jelly.

2. Butter: Make sure the butter or margarine is at room temperature to incorporate it more easily into the mixture.

Step by Step:
1. Preparing the base:
- In a large bowl, add the softened butter and mix it with a mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add 200 g of sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the baking powder.
- Incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture in two batches, mixing until homogeneous.

2. Baking the base:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour the base mixture into the pan, smoothing the surface.
- Bake the base for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- After baking, let the base cool slightly in the pan.

3. Preparing the pudding cream:
- Meanwhile, follow the instructions on the vanilla pudding package. Usually, you need to boil 750 ml of milk together with 100 g of sugar, then add the pudding and stir continuously until it thickens.
- Once the pudding is ready, remove it from the heat and add the sour cream. Mix well until homogeneous.

4. Assembling the cake:
- After the base has cooled, place the well-drained cherries on top.
- Spread the pudding cream evenly over the cherries, ensuring everything is well covered.
- Put the cake back in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

5. Preparing the jelly:
- While the cake is in the oven, prepare the jelly according to the package instructions, using the cherry compote to give it an intense flavor.
- Once the cake has cooled, pour the jelly on top and let it cool completely.

Serving:
Once the cake is completely cooled, cut it into squares and serve it with a dollop of fresh sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, turning each slice into a true delight.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can use other types of berries or peaches instead of cherries, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the base or the pudding cream.
- Nutrition: This cake is approximately 300 calories per serving, but it also provides protein from eggs and sour cream.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace sour cream with yogurt?
- Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

2. How can I make the cake less moist?
- Make sure the cherries are well drained and do not add too much compote to the jelly.

3. Can it be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! The cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors become even more intense.

This cherry and sour cream cake is not just a simple dessert, but also a way to bring a touch of joy to every day. Enjoy every slice and feel free to share this recipe with your loved ones!