Cherry cake

Fluffy Cherry Cake - a simple, quick, and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Welcome to the fascinating world of desserts! Today, I propose a cherry cake recipe, a dessert that combines fluffy texture with the sweet-tart flavor of these wonderful fruits. It is a simple recipe, perfect for moments when you need a quick sweet treat, but also to impress your guests. This cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, from a simple dessert after dinner to a festive meal.

History and Inspiration
Fruit cakes are a tradition in many culinary cultures, often prepared during the fresh fruit season. Cherries, with their distinct flavor, have been used for centuries in cakes, jams, and drinks. This recipe combines simplicity and elegance, offering a spectacular result with minimal effort. Let's get started!

Necessary Ingredients
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of flour
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons of oil (you can also use melted butter for a richer taste)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (with saffron for a golden color)
- 1 bowl of frozen cherries (about 300g)
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Details about Ingredients
Eggs are essential for achieving a fluffy texture in cakes. Make sure they are at room temperature for better incorporation. Sugar and vanilla sugar add sweetness and flavor, while oil or butter provides moisture. Flour and baking powder are the basic ingredients that ensure the structure of the cake. The cherries will bring a pleasant contrast and a note of acidity that balances the sweetness.

Steps for Preparation
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a heat-resistant tray (about 20x30 cm) and grease it with oil or butter. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is the stage where air is incorporated, ensuring a fluffy cake.

3. Add the vanilla sugar, oil, and vanilla essence, continuing to mix until well combined.

4. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This will help eliminate any lumps and ensure a uniform texture. Add the flour mixture to the egg composition, mixing with a spatula until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the batter from becoming dense.

5. Now comes the special moment! Thaw the cherries, slice them, and remove the pits. Add the cherries to the batter and gently mix to incorporate them. They will give the cake a unique flavor and interesting texture.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed.

7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is essential not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to allow the cake to rise evenly.

8. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, you can transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

9. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness. This step is optional, but it makes the cake look truly special!

Serving and Suggestions
This cherry cake is served cold, but it is also delicious warm. You can decorate it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a temperature and texture contrast. A cup of tea or coffee will pair perfectly with this dessert.

Tips and Variations
If you want to add a personal touch, you can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch. Instead of regular sugar, you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Additionally, you can replace the oil with olive oil for a healthier version.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cherries?
Of course! If you have fresh cherries available, you can use them instead of frozen ones. Make sure to wash them well and remove the pits before adding them to the batter.

2. What can I do if I don't have vanilla sugar?
You can add a few drops of vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar. The taste will be just as delicious!

3. How can I tell when the cake is baked?
The best way to check if the cake is done is to use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

Nutritional Benefits
This cherry cake is not only delicious but also brings some nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. In addition, eggs provide essential proteins, and oil brings healthy fatty acids.

Conclusion
This fluffy cherry cake recipe is an excellent choice for any occasion, being simple, quick, and extremely tasty. With each bite, you will discover a perfect balance between sweet and tart, in a light and airy texture. So, I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy a dessert that you will surely repeat! Bon appétit!