Cherry cake

Cherry Cake – A Quick and Tasty Dessert

Who doesn't love the sweet and tangy taste of fresh cherries? This cherry cake is not only a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring summer to your plate. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this delicacy is sure to impress.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients you need:

- 500 g fresh cherries (about 2-3 cups)
- 3 large eggs
- 18 tablespoons of sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for cherries)
- 18 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 18 tablespoons of milk (or plant-based milk for a lactose-free option)
- 19 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 10 g baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Steps for Preparation:

1. Preparing the Cherries:
Wash the cherries under cold running water, then remove the pits. This step may seem trivial, but make sure to use fresh, juicy cherries as they will add fantastic flavor to the cake. Once pitted, drain the cherries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cherries and stir gently. Let them sit aside to release their juice.

2. Preparing the Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and a pinch of salt until you achieve a frothy mixture of a deep yellow color. This is the base of the cake and will help aerate the batter. Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, mixing continuously.

3. Adding the Liquids:
After incorporating the oil, pour in the milk and mix until you achieve a smooth composition. It's important to use milk at room temperature to prevent the fats in the oil from solidifying.

4. Incorporating the Flour:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour while stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter becomes uniform. Finally, add the vanilla essence, which will give the cake a wonderful aroma.

5. Preparing the Baking Tray:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with a little oil to prevent sticking. This will make it easy for the cake to come out of the tray after baking.

6. Assembling the Cake:
Take 3 tablespoons of batter and set them aside for decoration. Pour the remaining batter into the tray, then place the cherries on top. Don’t forget the juice released from the cherries! Carefully pour it over the cherries so that the cake is filled with delicious, moist flavor. Then, add the remaining batter over the cherries.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the tray inside. Let the cake bake for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and Serving:
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look and a sweet touch.

Serving Suggestions:
This cherry cake is wonderful served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Possible Variations:
You can experiment with other seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, or apricots. Additionally, adding some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter will give a crunchy texture and a new flavor.

Nutrients and Calories:
This cherry cake has approximately 250 calories per serving. Cherries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to cardiovascular health and strengthening the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess water before use.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the batter but keep the sugar over the cherries to balance their acidity.

3. Is it possible to use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the batter will have a different texture. You can mix whole wheat flour with white flour for a balanced result.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious cake that not only combines the flavors of summer but also brings it to your table in the simplest and most enjoyable way! Enjoy!