Cherry cake

Fluffy Cherry Cake - A Seasonal Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Discover the magic of a fluffy cherry cake that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with a light and airy texture! This recipe is perfect for warm summer days when cherries are at their peak flavor. Its origins lie in culinary traditions of using seasonal fruits, and today I will show you how to bring this delicacy to life with a few tricks and secrets.

Ingredients:

- 6 large, fresh eggs
- 350 g granulated sugar
- 350 g flour
- 9 tablespoons water
- 1 vanilla essence
- Approximately 500 g pitted red cherries
- A pinch of salt
- Butter and flour for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Necessary utensils:

- A baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Grater or sieve for flour
- Large serving plate

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, ensuring no traces of yolk remain in the whites, as they need to be whipped. Make sure the cherries are well washed, pitted, and dried.

2. Whisking the yolks: In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat them together with the vanilla essence. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume, achieving a creamy texture.

3. Adding water: Gradually add the 9 tablespoons of water, mixing continuously. This step is essential for achieving a moist and fluffy cake.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour over the egg yolk mixture and gently mix using a spatula. It is important to use upward folding motions to avoid losing air in the mixture.

5. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer to beat them until stiff peaks form. This step will give the cake an airy texture.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: With a spatula, gradually fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture, mixing carefully to avoid deflating.

7. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the pan with butter and flour, ensuring it is evenly coated to prevent the cake from sticking.

8. Adding the cherries: Pour the mixture into the pan and arrange the cherries on top. They will partially sink into the batter during baking, adding a sweet and juicy flavor.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack. Dust powdered sugar on top before cutting into servings. It is delicious both warm and cold, but wait a bit to allow the flavors to develop.

Helpful tips:

- Buying cherries: Choose ripe, soft yet firm cherries without blemishes or damage. Fresh cherries will provide a richer flavor and a more appealing look to your cake.
- Alternative fruit option: You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as sour cherries, peaches, or plums. Each variation will add a different note to the cake.
- Serving suggestion: Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake contains eggs, which are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and low in calories, making them a healthy choice for dessert. Each serving has approximately 220 calories.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but it is recommended to thaw and dry them well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
- How can I store the cake? You can store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen, but it's best enjoyed fresh to maintain the fluffy texture.
- What is the secret to a perfect texture? Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and carefully folding them into the yolk mixture is key to an airy cake.

Try this simple and quick cherry cake recipe! It will delight you with every bite and remind you of warm summer days. Enjoy!