Cherry Cake

Cherry and Biscuit Cake - An Inspired Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Introduction

In a world filled with elaborate desserts, sometimes we crave a simple yet refined treat that brings joy to our tables. The cherry and biscuit cake is the perfect choice for any celebration or just to indulge yourself over the weekend. This recipe combines the crunchy texture of biscuits with the creaminess of a fine cream, adding a splash of acidity and freshness from the cherries. Each bite is a delicious experience, and the preparation is so easy that you'll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients

- 400 g chocolate biscuits (preferably filled ones)
- 150 g butter
- 100 g cherry compote (about a quarter of a jar)
- For the cream:
- 500 ml sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a richer texture)
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- For decoration:
- Pitted cherries from the compote
- Cherry sauce

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the biscuit base
- Start by crushing the biscuits. You can use a food processor or a meat grinder. Aim for a fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter and cherry compote. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the butter completely melts and blends with the compote.

2. Mixing the biscuits with the butter
- Add the crushed biscuits to the saucepan and mix well with a spatula until the mixture becomes moist and sticky.
- Line a springform pan with plastic wrap, then pour in the biscuit mixture. Use a spoon to level the surface, pressing down firmly to create a compact base. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

3. Preparing the cream
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar.
- Hydrate the gelatin in 3 tablespoons of cherry compote for 5 minutes, then microwave for a few seconds until completely dissolved. Add the dissolved gelatin to the sour cream mixture and mix well.

4. Whipping the cream
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture, being careful not to deflate it.

5. Assembling the cake
- Remove the pan from the refrigerator. Spread half of the cream mixture over the biscuit base. Evenly distribute the drained, pitted cherries, then pour the remaining cream on top. Smooth it out nicely and refrigerate again for another 1-2 hours, until the cream sets completely.

6. Decorating and serving
- Once the cake is well set, decorate it with fresh or compote cherries, adding cherry sauce for extra flavor. Serve the cake with a glass of lemonade or iced tea to enhance the culinary experience.

Practical Tips

- Biscuit selection: Choose quality chocolate biscuits, as their flavor will significantly influence the final taste.
- Alternative to sour cream: If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or fine cottage cheese. These alternatives add a rich texture and distinct flavor.
- Gelatin: Ensure the gelatin is well hydrated to avoid lumps in the cream. You can use plant-based gelatin for a vegetarian option.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to change the cake's flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 6 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use plain biscuits?
- Absolutely! Plain biscuits will create a less sweet base, but you can add a bit of sugar to the biscuit mixture to compensate.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free biscuits and ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. What else can I use instead of cherries?
- You can use canned peaches, pineapple, or even fresh berries.

This cherry and biscuit cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to any occasion. Whether it's a birthday, a family gathering, or simply a personal treat, each slice will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don't hesitate and let your imagination run wild in the kitchen!