Cherry cake

Cherry Cake: The Taste of Childhood

The cherry cake is a recipe that brings childhood memories to life, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that blend sweetness with a hint of acidity. This delicious dessert, easy to prepare, is popular in many households, with each recipe having its own story. Here, I will share my grandmother's recipe from Moldova, with some tips and variations to make it even more delicious.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 5 large eggs
- 500 g sugar
- 500 g sour cream (or 250 g sour cream + 250 g thicker yogurt)
- 800 g flour
- 2 packets of baking powder (approx. 16 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 600-700 g pitted cherries
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for greasing the pan

Preparing the Cherry Cake:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cherries are well washed and pitted. It’s a good idea to let them drain in a sieve to remove excess water, so the cake doesn’t become too wet.

2. Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 5 eggs and add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes creamy and lighter in color.

3. Incorporate the Sour Cream: Add the sour cream (or the mixture of sour cream and yogurt) to the egg mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until everything is well combined. This step will add moisture and richness to the cake.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl with the egg and sour cream mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

5. Prepare the Cherries: In a small bowl, place the drained cherries and sprinkle a little flour over them. This technique will help the cherries not to sink to the bottom of the cake during baking. Add the cherries to the batter and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

6. Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a large baking pan with oil and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper is well secured to prevent sticking.

7. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean, the dessert is ready.

8. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to prevent moisture from forming on the bottom.

9. Serving: Slice the cake and serve it plain or dusted with sugar. It’s delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. A wonderful idea is to serve it with a cherry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Practical Tips:

- Cherries: If you don’t have fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries. Make sure to let them thaw and drain well.
- Flour: You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. The taste will be slightly different, but the texture will still be pleasant.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar amount by 50-100 g, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:
The cherry cake is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system. The sour cream adds a dose of calcium and protein, making this dessert more nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! You can replace cherries with cherries, peaches, or even blueberries for a different but equally delicious dessert.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh for a longer time?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze it for later use.

3. What can I do if the batter is too dense?
If you notice the batter is too dense, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to thin it out.

4. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour instead of wheat flour. Make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to maintain the texture.

The cherry cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory, a joy, a reason to gather around the table. I wish you happy cooking and good appetite!