Cherry Cake

Cherry cake - a delicacy that combines sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. This classic recipe will bring smiles to everyone's faces and transform any meal into a special moment. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get carried away by the magic of cooking!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 250 g pitted cherries
- 1 cup flour (approximately 150 g)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 6 eggs
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

Ingredient tips:
To achieve a fine and airy cherry cake, ensure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help the egg whites whip better. You can use fresh or frozen cherries. If you choose frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw them before adding them to the mixture.

A bit of history:
Cherry cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a recipe passed down through generations. The combination of eggs, sugar, and flour has been used over time to create fluffy and delicious desserts. Cherries, with their distinct flavor, have often been added to provide a perfect contrast between sweet and tart.

Step by step:

1. Separating the eggs:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use two large bowls, ensuring no traces of yolk remain in the whites, or they won’t whip well.

2. Preparing the yolks:
Add a pinch of salt to the bowl with yolks and mix well with a whisk or mixer until it becomes a smooth and slightly frothy mixture.

3. Whipping the egg whites:
In another bowl, begin to whip the egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding the cup of sugar. Continue to whip until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This is the moment to test your skills: when you turn the bowl upside down, the meringue should stay in place!

4. Combining the ingredients:
Add the yolk mixture to the egg white meringue, being careful to gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air. Gradually incorporate the vanilla sugar and flour, mixing with delicate movements from top to bottom.

5. Preparing the baking tray:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. While the oven heats up, line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle a little flour.

6. Adding the mixture to the tray:
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

7. Adding the cherries:
After 5-7 minutes of baking, take the tray out of the oven and add the cherries on top, distributing them evenly. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean).

8. Cooling the cake:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Serving:
The cherry cake can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to perfectly complement the cherry flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake provides a considerable amount of protein from the eggs, and cherries bring vitamins and antioxidants, beneficial for the immune system and heart health. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes! You can experiment with cherries, peaches, or even raspberries to create a cake with different flavors.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, cut into slices, to enjoy later.

- What can I do if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
You can replace vanilla sugar with a teaspoon of vanilla extract or omit this ingredient, as the cake will still be delicious.

Possible variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can incorporate crushed nuts or almonds into the mixture. Additionally, you can add a splash of rum or lemon essence to intensify the flavors.

The cherry cake is not only a quick and simple dessert to prepare but also a true delicacy that will bring joy to family tables or gatherings with friends. So, don’t hesitate to try it and impress your guests with this delicious dessert!