Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake – a simple, quick, and incredibly delicious dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Who doesn't remember the warm summer days when fresh seasonal fruits were at hand? Cherry cake is one of those desserts that brings back childhood memories, of moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for savoring the flavor of these refreshing and slightly tart fruits, perfectly blended into a fluffy and light batter. Get ready to be delighted!

Ingredients needed

- 6 large eggs
- 120 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 250 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 500 g cherries (or a combination with sour cherries, apricots, as preferred)
- 3-4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Ingredient details

Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals, providing significant health benefits. In addition to adding a delicious taste to the cake, they are excellent for the immune system and heart health.

Also, choosing a quality oil is essential for achieving a moist and fluffy cake. Sunflower oil is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with olive oil for a more intense flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries well under cold running water. Carefully remove the pits – you can use a cherry pitter or, in its absence, a toothpick. Place the cherries in a colander to drain excess juice. Once drained, mix them with the breadcrumbs in a bowl. This will help absorb the juice during baking, preventing the cake from becoming too moist.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, start beating the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy cake.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Next, add the vanilla sugar, lemon juice, and egg yolks, gently folding them in. This technique will keep the air in the mixture, maintaining the cake's lightness.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it could release the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense texture.

5. Assembling the cake: Line a baking tray (about 30x20 cm) with parchment paper and pour the batter into the tray. Level the surface with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the cherries over the batter, gently pushing them into the batter.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175°C (or 160°C for fan-assisted ovens). Place the tray in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

7. Finishing: Once you have removed the cake from the oven, you can glaze it with the juice from the cooked cherries for a shiny appearance and added flavor. This is a personal touch that will enhance the taste!

8. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, cut it into squares and serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess.

Variations and serving suggestions

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries, apricots, or peaches, depending on personal preferences or the season. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.

If you want to turn this cake into an elegant dessert, try serving it with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A delicious combination of flavors that will surely delight any guest!

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I use instead of cherries?
You can use cherries, apricots, or even peaches. Make sure the fruits are well-drained to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts.

3. How can I tell if the cake is done?
Do the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea or a glass of fresh lemonade would be excellent accompaniments. Additionally, a glass of sweet white wine could perfectly complement the dessert.

Conclusion

Cherry cake is a dessert that not only spreads the aroma of summer but is also easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and bring joy to your kitchen! Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or as a delicious snack throughout the day, you are sure to create a cake that you will happily repeat. Enjoy!