Cherry cake

Cherry cake is a dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavor of cherries with a fluffy and moist texture, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. This recipe is not only simple but also indulgent, ideal for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a special celebration. Let's explore the steps to create this delicious delicacy together.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g pitted cherries (choose fresh cherries for a perfect taste)
- 1 cup of flour (about 200 g)
- 1 cup of milk (220 ml)
- 1 cup of sugar (240 g)
- 1 package of butter (about 200 g)
- 3 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
- 1 packet of cocoa powder (50 g)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder
- rum essence (to taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cherries are well washed and pitted. If using canned cherries, drain well to avoid a too wet mixture.

2. Cooking the milk mixture: In a medium saucepan, add the milk, sugar, butter, and cocoa. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a boiling point and becomes smooth.

3. Preparing the glaze: Once the mixture has boiled, remove the saucepan from heat and take 10 tablespoons of the mixture. Add a little rum essence to these 10 tablespoons and let it cool. This will become the glaze that will cover the cake after baking.

4. Separating the eggs: In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to ensure a fluffy texture in the cake.

5. Incorporating the yolks: After the milk mixture has cooled well, add the yolks and mix well. It is important that the mixture is not too hot to avoid cooking the yolks.

6. Adding flour and baking powder: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add them to the wet mixture. Mix gently to avoid lumps.

7. Incorporating the egg whites: Now, add the beaten egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, gently folding with a spatula to maintain the air in the mixture. This is the secret to a fluffy cake.

8. Assembling the cake: In a greased and lined baking tray, pour half of the mixture. Add a layer of cherries, then the rest of the mixture, and finish with another layer of cherries on top. This arrangement will create a wonderful visual effect after baking.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for about 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

10. Applying the glaze: Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the glaze over it and let it set.

11. Serving: Cut the cake into even squares and serve with a fragrant tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enhance the flavor by adding a few fresh mint leaves as decoration.

Useful tips:
- You can use frozen cherries out of season, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- Instead of rum essence, you can opt for vanilla essence or, for a more exotic touch, almond essence.
- Vary the recipe by adding ground nuts or hazelnuts to the cake mixture, which will add a crunchy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals, having anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with butter and eggs, this cake is not just a treat but also a source of energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Of course! The cake can also be adapted with other fruits, such as sour cherries or peaches, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the fruits.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
- Is it possible to make the recipe gluten-free? You can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, but make sure to use a flour mix that contains binding agents.

The cherry cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that reminds you of warm summer days and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!