Cherry and strawberry cake

Cherry and strawberry cake: a fragrant and easy-to-make delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The history of the cake is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This humble dessert has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of hospitality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. Today, I present to you a recipe for cherry and strawberry cake, a perfect combination of flavors that will bring a smile to everyone's face. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be customized according to your preferences.

Ingredients:

4 eggs
1 cup (200 ml) sugar
1 cup yogurt 10% fat (approximately 200 g)
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
10 g baking powder
Vanilla essence
Zest of one lemon
A pinch of salt
Canned cherries (one jar of 420 ml)
Strawberries (approximately 250 g)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cherries are well drained from the syrup and the strawberries are washed and cut in half or quarters if they are too large. Sprinkle them with a little sugar to enhance their flavor.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the 4 eggs along with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs with the sugar until they become frothy and double in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy cake.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Continue by adding the yogurt and oil. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The vanilla aroma and lemon zest will add a fresh and citrusy note, so don’t neglect them.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This will help avoid lumps in the mixture. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition and use a spatula to gently incorporate the ingredients without over-mixing, to keep the air in the mixture.

5. Preparing the pan: Grease a bundt pan with butter and dust it with flour or use parchment paper. This will help in easily removing the cake after baking.

6. Assembling the cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the pan. Place the cherries, which you have coated in semolina, and the strawberries for a special flavor. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle a little semolina and fruit to achieve an interesting texture.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 40-50 minutes. It is recommended to check with a toothpick if it is baked; if it comes out clean, it means it is ready. If the pan is deep, you can leave the cake a little longer on low heat to bake evenly.

8. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a plate and dust it with sugar. A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and water can also be a delicious choice, but I prefer the simple version with powdered sugar to keep the fruit flavors intact.

Practical tips:

- You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, to create a personalized cake.
- If you want to add a crunchy note, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or almonds on top.
- To achieve an intense vanilla flavor, use natural vanilla essence, not artificial flavoring.
- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature to achieve an even mixture.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is a healthier choice, thanks to the yogurt that adds protein and probiotics, while the fresh fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Calories: Some may think that desserts are off-limits when on a diet, but this cherry and strawberry cake has about 250 calories per serving, making it a reasonable choice for a sweet snack.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, for a gluten-free version, you can use rice flour or almond flour.

2. What should I do if I don’t have yogurt?
You can replace yogurt with sour cream or kefir for a similar texture.

3. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, but you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Complementary recipes: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Also, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this delicious dessert.

Enjoy every bite and relish the natural flavors of the fruits in a cake that will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!