Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - an explosion of flavors and colors

I invite you to discover a delicious cherry cake recipe, perfect for any occasion, but especially for moments when you crave a dessert that delights your senses. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty, with a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the dough and the acidity of the cherries.

The history of this cake takes us back to ancient cooking traditions, when people sought to combine natural ingredients to create delicious and comforting desserts. Cherries, with their distinct flavor, have always been a favorite ingredient due to their versatility in baking.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Essential ingredients:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 300 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- juice of one lemon
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 400 ml whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- a plate full of frozen cherries (approximately 300 g)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons brandy (optional)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. It is important to ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform texture of the dough.

2. Mixing the egg yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks from the three eggs along with 150 g of sugar (half of the total amount). Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture well until it becomes creamy and light in color. Add the vanilla and rum extracts, as well as the citrus zests, mixing to combine the flavors.

3. Incorporating the oil and milk: Gradually pour the oil into the egg yolk mixture while continuing to mix. Then, add the milk and mix well.

4. Mixing the flour and baking powder: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a whisk or spatula to obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a little lemon juice until a firm foam forms. Gradually add the remaining sugar (150 g) and continue to mix until you obtain a glossy meringue.

6. Combining the dough: Gradually add some of the meringue to the flour dough, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites. This step will make the cake fluffier and airier.

7. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it well with butter and sprinkle flour so that the cake does not stick.

8. Assembling the cake: Pour the dough into the prepared tray and level the surface. Distribute the frozen cherries evenly over the dough. There is no need to thaw them; the dough will rise and envelop the cherries during baking.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until it becomes golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake should come out clean).

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more elegant appearance.

Serving suggestions: This cherry cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of sweet cream. Additionally, a cup of tea or a warm drink enhances the culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits and calories: Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it an energy-packed choice for the whole family. Cherries are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, having beneficial effects on cardiovascular and digestive health.

Possible variations: If you want to try a different version, you can replace the cherries with cherries, peaches, or diced apples. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the dough for an extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes, but make sure to pit them before adding them to the cake.
2. Can I replace milk with a plant-based alternative?
Sure, you can use almond or soy milk to make the cake more vegan-friendly.
3. How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and for longer storage, you can freeze it.

In conclusion, the cherry cake is an excellent choice for indulgent moments, and with these tips and tricks, you will ensure that the final result is one worthy of praise. Enjoy!